FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM    TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


Dltlmon         'S'C'O 
Section  O~00 


I 


A 


JUL  9  1 


OG.'GAL  81 


FAMILY   MANUAL 

OF 

THE   BROAD  CHURCH: 

CONTAINING,  AilONGST    OTHER   THINGS, 

AN   ORDER   OF   PUBLIC  SERVICE, 

C^TECHISZYi:, 

FORMS  OF  ADMINISTRATION  OF   BEGAD  CHURCH  RITES. 

PRIVATE  DEVOTIONS   AND   HYMNS   FOR   THE  USE  OF  THE 

FAMILIES  AND   CHILDREN  OF   THE  BROAD   CHURCH. 

COMPILED  AND  ARRANGED   BY 

REV.    W.    D.    HALEY. 


XEW  YORK: 

0.    HUTCHIXSOX,    523    BROADWAY. 

1850. 


Ektkkkd  recording  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859,  by 

W  I  L  L  I  AM     D  .     HALEY, 

In  Hie  Clerk's  OfBce  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  District  of  Columbia. 


W.  H.  Tixsow,  gtereotyper  and  Printer, 
Rear  of  43  and  45  Centre  street,  N.  Y. 


CONTEXTS 


PAGB 

I. — Preface, 5 

II. — Order  of  Public  Service, 13 

Catechism, 21 

III. — Private  Devotions. 

1.  Prayers  for  the  Use  of  Children,     .         .         .39 

2.  Special  Prayers,     ......  54 

IT. PlTES    OF    THE    CnURCII. 

1.  Public  Consecration  of  Children,    ...  61 

2.  Order  of  Confirmation,           ....  Go 

3.  The  Burial  of  Children,          ....  76 

V. — Family  Devotions. 

1.  Order  of  Family  "Worship,      ....  89 

2.  Family  Prayers, 92 

VI.  —  Hymns. 

1.  Hymns  for  Public  Worship,    .         .         .         .127 

2.  Hymns  for  the  Homo, 179 

3.  Hymns  for  Private  Devotions.         .         .         .  203 

4.  Table  of  First  Lines, 231 

Note. — The  Numbers  will  be  found  at  the  f  jot  of  the  Page. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/fambrOOhale 


PREFACE. 


The  Broad  Church  is  rapidly  passing  from  the 
condition  of  an  ideal  yearning  with  earnest 
men  of  all  creeds  into  an  organic  fact.  The 
words  of  Channing,  Martineau,  Jowett,  Robert- 
son, Coquerel,  (p£re  etfilsj)  and  the  innumerable 
company  of  liberal  but  devout  confessors  are 
already  shaping  themselves  into  deeds  in  Eng- 
land, France,  and  America.  Here,  the  Unitarian, 
Universalist,  and  Christian  denominations  form 
the  vanguard  of  the  coming  Church.  These 
and  countless  individual  thinkers,  in  and  out  of 
the  Orthodox  ranks,  are  fusing  their  thought, 
scholarship,  and  piety  into  one  great  fraternity, 
which  will  create  and  sustain  a  Church  of  broad 
sympathies,  broad  humanities,  broad  hopes,  and 
a  broad  theology, — a  Church,  moreover,  which 


PREFACE. 

will  accord  with,  and  serve  the  American  ideas 
of  liberty  and  equality,  as  no  old-world  ecclesi- 
asticism  or  theology  can  do. 

This  humble  volume,  for  the  most  part  a  mere 
compilation,  has  been  prepared  with  the  hope  of 
increasing  the  true  church  sentiment  in  the 
hearts  of  the  American  people.  The  compiler 
believes  that  the  religious  exigencies  of  every 
human  soul  and  the  peculiarities  of  our  national 
character  and  condition  make  the  Church  if  not 
a  divine  institution  at  least  a  human  necessity. 
The  work  of  Protestantism  will  never  be  fully 
accomplished  until  the  prayers  and  ordinances  of 
the  Church  have  been  rescued  from  the  dungeons 
of  medieval  scholasticism,  and  have  become 
the  inspiration  of  all  the  free  men  and  women 
in  America  who  desire  to  worship  God  without 
forswearing  themselves  upon  a  creed  which  they 
either  do  not  understand  or  do  not  believe. 

This  Book  of  Common  Prayer  is  intended 
to  give  a  practical  shape  and  an  organic 
response  to  some  of  the  desires  which  are  stir- 
ring in  the  souls  of  liberal  believers ;  if  it  may 
prove  like   the   first   soft  breath   which  gently 

vi 


PREFACE. 

parts  the  leaves  to  herald  the  approach  of  a 
mighty  gale  that  shall  wrench  giant  trunks 
from  the  soil,  it  will  accomplish  its  mission. 

The  Reformed  Liturgy,  which  underwent  the 
careful  supervision  of  that  brave  and  accom- 
plished man,  the  He  v.  Mr.  Lindsey  of  Essex 
street  Chapel,  London,  and  also  of  Dr.  Samuel 
Clark,  Dr.  Freeman,  and  Eev.  Mr.  Greenwood, 
lias  furnished  a  large  portion  of  what  follows. 
I  have  modified  some  tilings,  and  have  restored 
some  glorious  old  words  which,  having  been 
heard  in  "  secret  chambers,  and  torch-lighted 
catacombs,"  I  felt  unwilling  to  omit ;  some  of 
the  sentences  in  the  following  Liturgy  have 
been  the  last  words  breathed  by  fainting  martyrs, 
and  some  have  strengthened  timid  maidens  with 
a  boldness  for  the  truth  which  enabled  them  to 
look  fearlessly  in  the  faces  of  lions, — let  them 
stand,  even  if  they  be  of  doubtful  interpretation, 
and  let  our  children  learn  to  reverence  them  as 
we  do,  for  the  divine  grace  which  has  flowed 
through  them. 

The  Order  of  Public  Service  can  be  used  in  the 
common  Sunday  school,  although  it  is  intended 

vii 


PEEFACE. 


to  elevate  that  institution  into  a  part  of  the 
Church.  When  it  is  .preferred  to  retain  the 
present  methods  it  will  only  be  necessary  to  add 
the  usual  lessons  to  the  catechetical  exercise,  or  to 
omit  the  latter  altogether.  The  Service  will  be 
found  particularly  useful  for  small  congregations. 
It  may  also  be  adopted  by  families  prevented 
from  attending  the  Church  services  by  reason  of 
distance  or  inclemency  of  weather.  It  has  been 
the  aim  of  the  compiler  to  bring  the  church  into 
every  household,  so  that  in  remote  settlements, 
or  when  for  other  reasons  it  may  be  desirable, 
the  parents  can  gather  their  children  around 
them,  and  with  the  Public  Service,  or  the  Order 
of  Family  Service,  they  can  implant  in  the  youth- 
ful minds  a  proper  regard  for  the  Lord's  day, 
and  a  due  respect  for  religious  observances. 

The  Order  of  Consecration — or  Infant  Baptism 
— can  be  omitted  by  those  Christians  who  have 
conscientious  objections  to  that  rite,  or  it  is  so  ar- 
ranged that  it  may  be  used  as  a  dedicatory  service 
without  interfering  with  the  subsequent  baj)tism 
as  a  profession  of  faith.  Without  entering  upon 
an  argument  for  infant  baptism,  I  beg  to  suggest 

viii 


PREFACE. 

the  Scriptural  warrant  and  the  propriety  of 
identifying  the  children  with  the  Church  as  early 
as  possible,  and  by  any  suitable  symbol. 

The  Order  of  Confirmation  was  inserted  after 
careful  deliberation,  because  it  seems  to  afford 
the  best  means  for  remedying  what  is  a  great  evil 
in  most  Protestant  churches.  The  Episcopal 
Church,  by  its  order  of  confirmation,  and  the 
Methodist  Church,  through  the  agency  of  its 
classes,  retain  their  hold  upon  the  youth,  but  in 
a  majority  of  the  churches  of  other  denomina- 
tions, especially  in  those  which  are  anti-credal,  or 
liberal,  the  years  of  pupilage,  from  the  age  of 
sixteen  to  twenty-one,  and  even  later,  are  passed 
without  the  aid  and  counsel  of  the  Church,  be- 
cause it  is  a  period  when  persons  are  too  old  for 
the  Sunday  school,  and  not  of  sufficient  age  to 
take  a  voluntary  interest  in  the  ordinary  services 
of  prayer  and  preaching.  Just  at  this  point,  so 
perilous  to  the  future  character,  the  Church 
should  step  in,  by  appropriate  public  ceremony 
assert  its  jurisdiction  over  the  young  people,  and 
teach  them  to  regard  themselves  as  pledged  and 
professed  disciples  of  Christ.     I  do  not  broach 

1*  ix 


PREFACE. 

this  as  a  new  theory,  for  it  has  been  the  theme 
of  every  Sunday  School  convention  for  years, 
and  has  been  keenly  felt  and  eloquently  express- 
ed by  men  of  very  different  theologies,  as  for 
instance,  Judd  and  Bushnell.  I  do  not  put  for- 
ward my  own  medicament  as  a  panacea,  but  I 
fully  believe,  and  with  all  proper  modesty  would 
urge  it  upon  my  brethren,  that  in  the  accom- 
panying Order  of  Confirmation  will  be  found  a 
practical  clue  to  the  successful  solution  of  a  very 
perplexing  problem. 

The  family  prayers  are  adapted  from  the 
King's  Chapel  Liturgy,  with  some  slight  changes. 
I  am  indebted  to  the  Rev.  C.  Brooks  for  permis- 
sion to  take  from  his  excellent  manual,  "  The 
Christian  in  his  Closet,"  the  prayers  for  Private 
Devotion,  and  a  portion  of  the  Family  Service. 
The  admirable  paraphrase  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
I  have  divided  into  portions  suitable  for  a  child's 
devotions.  The  Hymns  for  the  Private  Use  of 
Children,  are  intended  to  be  committed  to  memo- 
ry ;  good  poetry  will  do  much  for  the  education 
of  a  young  soul. 

With  a  sincere  prayer  for  the  prosperity  of  the 


PREFACE. 

Church,  and  the  consequent  victory  of  the  Right, 

the  Just  and  the  True,  I  commend  this  attempt  to 

aid    the    organic    development    of    the    Broad 

Church,  to  the  kindness  and  fraternity  of  all  who 

love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity  and  in 

truth. 

W.  D.  H. 

Washington^  D.  C. 


XI 


ORDER  OF  PUBLIC  SERVICE. 


^[  At  the  beginning  of  the  service  the  Minister  shall  read  the 
following  exhortation : 

Come  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me ;  I  will 
teach  you  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wis- 
dom ;  but  the  wicked  despise  wisdom  and 
instruction.  My  children,  if  sinners  entice  you, 
consent  you  not.  If  they  say,  Come  with  us, 
cast  in  your  lot  among  us — my  children  walk 
not  in  the  way  with  them  ;  refrain  your  feet 
from  their  paths ;  for  their  feet  run  to  evil. 
When  wisdom  entereth  into  your  hearts,  and 
knowledge  is  pleasant  unto  your  souls,  discre- 
tion shall  preserve  you,  understanding  shall 
keep  you,  to  deliver  you  from  the  way  of  those 
who  leave  the  paths  of  uprightness  to  walk  in 
the  ways  of  darkness. 

13 


ORDER   OF    PUBLIC    SERVICE. 

My  children,  forget  not  the  law  of  God ;  but 
let  your  hearts  keep  his  commandments.  For 
length  of  days,  and  years  of  life,  and  peace,  shall 
they  add  to  you.  Let  not  mercy  and  truth 
forsake  you.  Bind  them  about  your  necks  ; 
write  them  upon  the  tables  of  your  hearts.  So 
shall  you  find  favor  in  the  sight  of  God  and 
man. 


^[  Then  shall  follow  the  General  Confession  to  be  said  by  the 
Congregation  after  the  Minister : 


Almighty  and  most  merciful  God  \ — we  have 
erred  and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like  lost  sheep. 
— We  have  followed  too  much  the  devices  and 
desires  of  our  own  hearts. — We  have  offend- 
ed against  thy  holy  laws. — We  have  left  undone 
those  things  which  we  ought  to  have  done; — 
and  we  have  done  those  things  which  we  ought 
not  to  have  done, — and  there  is  no  health  in  us. 
— But  thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us  miser- 
able offenders. — Spare  thou  those,  O  God,  who 
confess  their  faults. — Restore  thou  them  that  are 
penitent, — according  to   thy  promises   declared 

14 


OKDER  OF  PUBLIC  SERVICE. 

unto  mankind  by  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. — And 
grant,  O  most  merciful  Father,  for  his  sake, — 
that  we  may  hereafter  live  a  godly,  righteous, 
and  sober  life, — to  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 
Amen  ! 

Tf  Then,  all  standing,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

The  Lord  has  brought  us  safely  to  this  day. 

Children.  Let  us  give  him  thanks  for  this  his 
goodness. 

Min.  And  for  all  his  mercies  and  loving  kind- 
nesses to  us,  and  to  all  men ; 

CJtil.  Every  day  will  we  give  thanks  unto 
thee,  O  Lord. 

•[  Then  shall  the  Minister  offer  these  prayers,  or  he  may  sub- 
stitute an  extemporaneous  prayer,  the  Congregation  kneeling: 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we  thine 
unworthy  servants,  do  give  thee  most  humble 
and  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  goodness  and  lov- 
ing kindness  to  us  and  to  all  men.  We  bless 
thee  for  our  creation,  preservation,  and  all  the 
blessings  of  this  life ;  but  above  all  for  thine  in- 
estimable love  in  the  redemption  of  the  world 

15 


ORDER  OF  PUBLIC  SERVICE. 

by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  for  the  means  of  grace, 
and  for  the  hope  of  gloiy.  And  we  beseech 
thee,  to  give  us  that  due  sense  of  all  thy  mer- 
cies, that  our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly  thank- 
ful, and  that  we  may  show  forth  thy  praise,  not 
only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by  giving  up 
ourselves  to  thy  service,  and  by  walking  before 
thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  our  clays, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord ;  in  whose  name 
we  ascribe  unto  thee  all  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

(At  the  close  of  each  prayer  the  Congregation  will  say,  Amen.) 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at 
this  time  with  one  accord  to  make  our  common 
supplications  unto  thee,  and  hast  promised  by 
thy  beloved  Son,  that  where  two  or  three  are 
gathered  together  in  his  name,  thou  wilt  grant 
their  requests ;  fulfill  now,  O  Lord,  the  desires 
and  petitions  of  thy  children,  as  may  be  most 
expedient  for  them,  granting  us  in  this  world 
knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  in  the  world  to 
come  life  everlasting.     Amen  ! 

16 


ORDER    OF   PUBLIC    SERVICE. 

^  Then  shall  the  Minister  say  : 

O  Lord  open  thou  our  lips. 
Ansiocr.  And  our  mouths  shall  show  forth  thy 
praise. 

^[  Here,  all  standing  up,  he  shall  say  : 

Now  unto  the  King,  eternal,  immortal,  invisi- 
ble, the  only  wise  God, 

Answer.  Be  honor  and  glory,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  forever  and  ever. 

Min.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

Ans.  The  Lord's  name  be  praised. 

^  Then  may  be  said  or  sung  the  following  psalm : 
Jubilate  Deo. 

Obe  joyful  in  the  Lord  all  ye  lands  ;  serve  the 
Lord  with  gladness,  and  come  before  his  presence 
with  a  song. 

Be  ye  sure  that  the  Lord  he  is  God ;  it  is  he 
who  hath  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves ;  we  are 
his  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture. 

O  go  your  way  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiv- 

17 


ORDER   OF   PUBLIC    SERVICE. 

ing,  and  into  his  courts  with  praise ;  be  thankful 
unto  him,  and  speak  good  of  his  name. 

For  the  Lord  is  gracious,  his  mercy  is  everlast- 
ing, and  his  truth  endureth  from  generation  to 
generation. 

T[  Then  the  teachers  shall  examine  the  children  in  the  cate- 
chism, which  is  divided  into  four  parts  ;  and  it  is  recommended 
that  on  the  Sundays  which  are  the  fifth  Sundays  of  the  month, 
the  Minister  shall  examine  the  whole  assembly  of  children  in 
the  catechism. 

^J"  Here  follows  the  sermon  or  address  from  the  Minister. 

Tf  At  the  close  of  the  sermon  shall  be  sung  the  following  an- 
them or  a  hymn : 

Bonum  est  conjiteri. — Psalm  xcii. 

It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the 
Lord,  and  to  sing  praises  unto  thy  name,  O  most 
highest; 

To  tell  of  thy  loving  kindness  early  in  the 
morning,  and  of  thy  truth  in  the  night  season  ; 

Upon  an  instrument  of  ten  strings,  and  upon 
the  lute ;  upon  a  loud  instrument  and  upon  the 
harp. 

18 


OEDEE   OF   PUBLIC    S  UK  VICE. 

For  tliou  Lord  hast  made  me  glad  through  thy 
works,  and  I  will  rejoice  in  giving  praise  for  the 
work  of  thy  hands. 

*j[  Then  the  Minister  shall  say : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 

Ans.  And  with  thy  spirit. 

Min.  O  Lord,  show  thy  mercy  upon  us. 

Ans.  And  grant  us  thy  salvation. 

Min.  O  God,  make  clean  our  hearts  within 
us. 

Ans.  And  take  not  the  holy  Spirit  from  us. 

Min.  Let  us  pray  : 

O  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  high  and  mighty 
King  of  kings,  Lord  of  lords,  who  dost  from  thy 
throne  behold  all  the  dwellers  upon  the  earth  ; 
most  heartily  we  beseech  thee  with  thy  favor  to 
behold  the  President  and  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  and  so  replenish  them  with  the  grace  of 
thy  holy  spirit  that  they  may  always  incline  to 
thy  will,  and  walk  in  thy  way.  Send  down  upon 
all  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  upon  all  congre- 
gations committed  to  their  charge,  the  needful 
spirit  of  grace.     Endue  all  parents  with  wisdom 

10 


ORDER  OF  PUBLIC  SERVICE. 

and  love,  that  they  may  rightly  train  and  direct 
their  offspring  in  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  and 
the  practice  of  virtue.  We  humbly  beseech  thee 
to  bless  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men,  and  to 
grant  us  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give. 
This  we  humbly  ask  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen  ! 

^[  Here,  all  standing  up,  shall  be  pronounced  the  Benedic- 
tion. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  be  with  us  all  evermore.     Amen  ! 


A    CATECHISM 


INSTRUCTION   OP   CHILDREN. 


The  Catechism  is  to  be  committed  to  memory  in  portions  suited 
to  the  capacities  of  the  children. 


PAFcT    I. 

Question.  Can  you  tell  me  who  made  you  ? 

Answer.  God,  who  made  all  things,  made 
me. 

Q.  For  vhat  did  God  make  you  ? 

A.  To  be  virtuous  and  holy  and  happy. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  he  virtuous  \ 

A.  It  is  to  avoid  sin,  to  overcome  temptation, 
co  love  God,  to  obey  my  parents,  to  speak  the 
truth  always  and  to  be  just  and  hind  to  all  per- 
sons. 

21 


CATECHISM. 

Q.  Can  God  know  whether  you  are  virtuous 
or  not  ? 

A.  Yes;  for  though  we  cannot  see  God,  lie 
sees  us  every  moment  of  our  lives. 

Q.  What  will  God  do  for  you  if  you  lead  a 
holy  life  ? 

A.  lie  will  love  me ;  and  if  he  sees  fit  to  per- 
mit me  to  suffer  poverty  or  sickness  or  affliction, 
his  love  will  always  comfort  me. 

Q.  Can  you  do  anything  for  God  ? 

A.  I  can  only  love  him,  obey  him,  and  be 
thankful  to  him ;  I  cannot  make  him  my 
debtor. 

Q.  Can  you  speak  to  him  ? 

A.  Yes ;  I  can  pray  to  him  for  whatever  1 
need,  and  he  will  give  me  what  is  best  for  me. 

Q.  In  what  manner  should  you  pray  to  God  ? 

A.  Our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  has  given  us  a 
form  of  prayer  which  is  called  the  Lord's 
Prayer. 

Q.  Repeat  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

A.  Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will 
be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven.     Give 

22 


CATECHISM. 

us  this  day  our  daily  bread,  and  forgive  us  our 
trespasses  as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us  ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom 
and  the  power  and  the  glory,  forever  and  ever, 
Amen. 

Q.  After  you  die  shall  you  live  again  ? 

A.  Yes ;  God  will  raise  us  from  the  dead. 

Q.  How  shall  you  live  again,  if  you  are  good? 

A.  If  I  have  been  good  I  shall  live  in  heaven 
and  be  very  happy  forever. 

Q.  If  you  have  been  wicked,  how  shall  you 
live  again  ? 

A.  In  a  condition  of  just  retribution. 

Q.  'What  do  you  mean  by  retribution  ? 

A.  I  mean  that  in  the  future  life  all  persons 
will  be  placed  in  that  condition  for  which  their 
characters  have  fitted  them.  If  they  have 
wilfully  sinned,  they  must  suffer  much  in  the 
future. 

Q.  Where  do  you  get  this  belief? 

A.  From  the  Bible  which  we  should  diligently 
read  for  our  improvement  in  knowledge  and 
goodness,  in  order  to  fit  us  for  heaven. 

23 


CATECHISM. 

Q.  Is  there  any  form  of  words  in  which 
Christians  express  the  principles  of  their  belief? 

A.  Yes :  the  Apostles'  Creed,  which  was 
composed  in  the  second  century  after  the  death 
of  Christ. 

Q.  Is  the  Apostles'  Creed  binding  upon  the 
consciences  of  Christians  ? 

A.  All  creeds,  written  by  men  are  liable  to 
error.  There  is  no  creed  which  is  binding  except 
the  ISTew  Testament. 

Q.  What  then  are  the  conditions  of  Church 
fellowship  ? 

A.  A  hearty  repentance  for  all  sins,  a  sincere 
forsaking  of  them,  and  an  earnest  purpose  to 
conform  the  character  to  the  precepts  and  spirit 
of  the  Gospel. 

Q.  Repeat  the  Apostles'  Creed  ? 

A.  I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty 
maker  of  heaven  and  earth ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  only  Son,  our  Lord, 
who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate ; 
was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  the  third  day  he 
arose  again  from  the  dead;    he  ascended  into 

24 


CATECHISM. 

lieaven ;  and  sittetli  at  the  right  hand  of  God 
the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  he  shall  come 
to  jndge  the  living  and  the  dead. 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  holy  Catholic 
Church  ;  the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  the  resurrection 
of  the  body ;  and  the  life  everlasting.     Amen. 

Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  the  holy  Catholic 
Church  ? 

A.  The  universal  church,  composed  of  believ- 
ers in  Christ,  who  live  in  all  parts  of  the  earth, 
and  worship  God  in  various  forms. 

Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  the  resurrection  of 
the  body  ? 

A.  I  mean  that  we  shall  live  again  in  a  body, 
which  God  will  give  us,  made  like  unto  Christ's 
most  glorious  body,  free  from  disease  and  pain, 
and  imperishable. 


PART   II. 


Q.  Does  the  Bible  teach"  us  what  God  is  % 
A.  Yes ;  it  teaches  us  that  he  had  no  begin- 
2  25 


CATECHISM. 

ning,  and  can  have  no  end ;  that  he  is  God  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting ;  that  he  is  the  only 
God,  and  beside  him  there  is  none  other ;  that 
he  has  no  equal,  and  that  the  Lord  our  God  is 
one  God. 

Q.  What  does  the  Bible  teach  us  of  the  attri- 
butes of  God  ? 

A.  It  teaches  us  that  he  is  omnipotent,  holy, 
pure,  righteous,  just,  merciful,  wise,  omniscient, 
long  suffering,  forgiving  transgression  and  sin. 

Q.  What  does  God  require  of  us  ? 

A.  That  we  should  deal  justly,  love  mercy, 
and  walk  humbly  before  him. 

Q.  Has  God  given  us  any  positive  command- 
ments which  we  are  to  obey  ? 

A.  Yes ;  he  gave  ten  commandments  to  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  we,  also,  are  required  to 
comply  with  the  spirit  of  them. 

Q.  What  is  the  first  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  but  me. 

Q.  What  is  the  second  commandment? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  make  to  thyself  any  graven 
image,  nor  the  likeness  of  anything  that  is  in 
heaven  above,  or  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  in -the 

20 


CATECHISM. 

water  under  the  earth  ;  thou  shalt  not  bow  down 
to  them  nor  worship  them ;  for  I,  the  Lord  thy 
God,  am  a  jealous  God,  and  visit  the  sins  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children,  unto  the  third  and 
fourth  generation  of  those  who  hate  me,  and 
show  mercy  unto  thousands  of  those  who  love 
me  and  keep  my  commandments. 

Q.  What  is  the  third  commandment  ? 

A,  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain,  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him 
guiltless  who  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

Q.  What  is  the  fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  Ee  member  that  thou  keep  holy  the  Sab- 
bath day ;  six  days  shalt  thou  labor  and  do  all 
thou  hast  to  do,  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sab- 
bath of  the  Lord  thy  God,  in  it  thou  shalt  do  no 
manner  of  work,  thou  and  thy  son,  and  thy 
daughter,  thy  man  servant,  and  thy  maid  ser- 
vant, thy  cattle,  and  the  stranger  that  is  within 
thy  gates  ;  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven 
and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and 
rested  the  seventh  day ;  wherefore  the  Lord 
blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  hallowed  it.  . 

Q.  What  is  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

27 


I 


CATECHISM. 

A.  Honor  thy  father  and  mother,  that  thy 
days  may  be  long  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee. 

Q.  What  is  the  sixth  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  do  no  murder. 

Q.  What  is  the  seventh  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

Q.  What  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

Q.  What  is  the  ninth  commandment? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbor. 

Q.  What  is  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house  ; 
thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife  ;  nor 
his  servant,  nor  his  maid,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass, 
nor  anything  that  is  his. 

Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  sum  up  these  com- 
mandments ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all 
thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
mind.     This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment. 

And  the  second  is  like  unto  it :  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbor   as  thyself,     On   these   two 

28 


CATECHISM. 

commandments  liana:  all  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

Q.  "What  principles  will  best  help  us  to  ob- 
serve these  and  all  other  commandments  of 
God? 

A.  A  high  reverence  for  God,  a  deep  love  for 
Jesus  Christ,  a  sincere  good  will  for  our  fellow- 
creatures,  and  a  proper  anxiety  for  the  immortal 
interests  of  our  own  souls. 

Q.  "What  are  the  best  helps  to  a  religious 
life? 

A.  A  prayerful  spirit,  frequent  self-examina- 
tion, watchfulness  over  the  habits  we  are  form- 
ing, avoidance  of  bad  company,  and  careful 
study  of  the  Scriptures. 

Q.  Can  any  one  live  so  free  from  sin  as  not  to 
need  the  mercy  of  God  for  his  forgiveness  ?  * 

A.  There  is  no  man  that  liveth  and  sinnetli 
not ;  and  we  are  taught  by  Jesus  Christ  to  pray 
always  "  forgive  our  trespasses." 

Q.  "What  are  we  to  learn  from  our  common 
frailty  ? 

A.  "We  are. to  learn  humility  and  charity. 
Not  to  esteem  ourselves  more  righteous  than  the 

29 


CATECHISM. 


rest  of  mankind,  and  to  compassionate  the  lowest 
and  most  depraved. 


PART   III. 

Q.  Does  the  Bible  teach  ns  anything  of  Jesus 
Christ? 

A.  Yes ;  it  teaches  us  that  he  is  the  well-he- 
loved  Son,  in  whom  the  Father  is  well  pleased ; 
and  that  he  came  into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners. 

Q.  How  does  he  accomplish  this  ? 

A.  By  causing  them  to  forsake  their  sins,  and 
to  turn  to  the  living  God. 

Q.  What  has  Christ  done  to  make  men  forsake 
their  sins  ? 

A.  He  was  found  in  fashion  as  a  man;  he 
taught  his  disciples  great  truths  about  God  and 
heaven  nand  immortality,  which  all  the  wisdom 
of  men  had  been  unable  to  discover ;  he  was  cru- 
cified, that  by  his  death  we  might  be  reconciled 
to  God ;  and  he  rose  from  the  dead  to  show  us 

30 


CATECHISM. 

that,  though  we  seem  to  die,  yet  God  will  keep 
our  souls  alive. 

Q.  Why  is  Jesus  Christ  called  the  Saviour  ? 

A.  Because  it  was  prophesied  of  him  "thoi 
shalt  call  his  name  Jesus,  for  he  shall  save  hi 
people  from  their  sins." 

Q.  What  did  the  Saviour  say  was  necessary  is 
order  to  bring  the  soul  to  a  proper  knowledge  o.' 
God? 

A.  "  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  except  u 
man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom 
of  God." 

Q.  What  is  regeneration  ? 

A.  It  is  the  birth  of  the  religious  part  of  our 
nature,  which  only  then  discovers  the  perfect 
love  and  goodness  of  God,  and  the  true  meaning 
of  the  soul  and  the  immortal  life. 

Q.  What  must  a  sinful  man  do  before  he  can 
be  born  again  ? 

A.  He  must  be  converted.  That  is,  he  must 
turn  from  his  sinful  ways  and  seek  in  the  mercy 
of  God,  the  forgiveness  of  his  sins. 

Q.  How  can  he  be  assured  of  this  mercy  ? 

A,  Only  by  taking  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for 

31 


CATECHISM. 

his  Master  and  Saviour ;  by  faith  in  the  promises 
of  Christ ;  by  obeying  his  precepts,  and  by  striv- 
ing to  live  humbly,  soberly,  and  righteously  in 
the  world. 

Q.  Is  there  any  promise  of  Divine  aid  to  those 
who  seek  the  help  of  God  ? 

A.  Our  Saviour  promised  to  send  the  Com- 
forter to  his  disciples,  to  instruct  and  help  them 
after  he  was  taken  away ;  and  he  has  also  taught 
us  that  our  heavenly  Father  is  more  ready  to 
give  his  Holy  Spirit  to  those  that  ask  it,  than 
an  earthly  parent  is  to  give  good  things  to  his 
children. 

Q.  What  is  the  Holy  Spirit  ? 

A,  It  is  the  Spirit  of  God,  which  is  always 
about  us,  admonishing  us  of  our  sins,  appealing 
to  our  souls  for  better  life,  comforting  us  in  our 
afflictions,  answering  our  prayers,  and  bearing 
witness  with  our  spirits  that  we  are  the  children 
of  God. 


32 


CATECHISM. 


PART   IV. 


Q.  "What  is  the  Christian  Church.  ? 

A.  It  is  an  association  of  people,  who,  believ- 
ing in  the  authority  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  desiring 
to  mould  their  lives  to  his  requirements,  unite 
together  to  strengthen  and  encourage  each  other. 

Q.  What  laws  are  to  govern  the  Christian 
Church? 

A.  The  New  Testament  is  the  supreme  law, 
and  the  only  one  that  can  be  exercised  authorita- 
tively. 

Q.  In  becoming  members  of  the  Church  what 
is  proper  to  be  done  ? 

A.  It  is  right  and  proper  that  we  should  make 
a  public  profession  of  our  discipleship  by  observ- 
ing the  two  Christian  Ordinances. 

Q.  "What  are  the  Christian  Ordinances  ? 

A.  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Q.  "What  is  the  meaning  of  Baptism  ? 

A.  It  means  a  recognition  of  Jesus  Christ  as 
the  head  of  the  Church,  and  a  desire  to  lead  a 
holy,  devout,  and  righteous  life. 

2*  33 


CATECHISM. 

Q.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per? 

A.  It  is  to  commemorate  the  death  of  Christ, 
whose  love  for  the  human  family  was  so  great 
that  he  gave  up  his  life  on  the  cross  that  he  might 
bring  us  to  repentance  and  the  true  life. 

Q.  When  was  this  Ordinance  instituted  ? 

A.  The  same  night  in  which  he  Avas  betrayed. 

Q.  Is  it  incumbent  upon  us  to  observe  these 
Ordinances  ? 

A.  No  form  is  of  so  much  consequence  as  the 
indwelling  love  of  God,  but  as  Christ  ordained 
these  ceremonies,  it  is  our  duty  to  observe  them. 

Q.  Who  are  proper  persons  to  observe  the 
Ordinances  1 

A.  All  persons  of  proper  age  to  understand 
their  meaning,  and  who  sincerely  desire  the  aid 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  enable  them  to  lead  religious 
and  sober  lives. 

Q.  What  is  the  true  bond  of  Church  Fellow- 
ship ? 

A.  Sincere  love  to  God,  and  that  love  for  our 
neighbor  which  will  cause  us  to  respect  his  opin- 
ions, however  they  may  differ  from  our  own. 

34 


CATECHISM. 

Q.  What  is  the  great  mission  of  the  Church  ? 

A.  To  make  the  world  better  in  its  practices. 

Q.  Why  has  not  the  Church  done  more  good 
in  the  world  ? 

A.  Because  it  has  too  often  been  divided  into 
jealous  sects,  who  have  hated  each  other  for  dif- 
ferences of  belief,  and  have  fostered  bigotry  and 
uncharitableness. 

Q.  What  Church  does  the  world  need  ? 

A,  The  broad  Church  of  Christ;  the  Church 
that  will  seek  only  to  make  men  better;  the 
Church  whose  creed  will  be  the  Bible;  whose 
field  will  be  the  world;  and  whose  fellowship 
will  extend  to  all  the  human  family. 

Q.  What  will  you  do  for  the  true  Church  ? 

A.  I  will  work  for  it,  and  pray  for  it,  and  when 
I  am  older  I  will  try  to  be  worthy  of  the  bene- 
fits it  confers  upon  me. 


35 


I  tin  it   9 1 1 1  'H  o « s 


\ 


8T 


PRAYERS 

FOR    THE    USE    OF    CHILDREN. 


SUNDAY   MOUSING. 


God  of  the  Sabbath,  my  soul  would  rise  to 
thee,  and  would  begin  this  holy  day  with  praise 
to  thee  who  hast  made  me  to  sleep  in  safety. 
Blessed  be  thy  name  for  the  Christian  Sabbath, 
for  the  day  which  calls  my  mind  from  the  tran- 
sitory objects  of  earth  to  the  durable  things  of 
the  eternal  life.  In  the  name  of  him  whose 
glorious  resurrection  this  day  commemorates,  I 
would  draw  near  to  thee  not  only  with  my  lips, 
but  with  my  heart,  worshipping  thee  in  spirit 
and  in  truth. 

O  Thou  who  art  love  and  dwellest  in  love, 
enable  me  to  love  thee  with  my  whole  heart. 

39 


PRAYERS    FOR    CHILDREN. 


Let  thy  mercies- draw  my  soul  to  thee  and  keep 
me  ever  in  the  path  of  rectitude.  Let  me  feel 
that  thou  art  in  me  and  I  in  thee.  May  I  see 
thee  in  the  works  and  mission  and  person  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  may  I  see  thee  in  my  own 
soul.  Help  me  to  show  my  gratitude  to 
the  Saviour  by  becoming  his  devoted  follower. 

Holy  Father,  as  thou  hast  made  me  for  truth, 
holiness,  virtue,  and  immortality,  do  thou  take 
off  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity ;  let  me  not 
love  this  world  too  much  and  thee  so  little,  cure 
me  of  all  worldliness  and  selfish  desires. 

O  Thou  that  hearest  prayer,  bless  all  worship- 
ping assemblies  this  day.  May  thy  ministers 
preach  Christ  and  him  crucified,  and  may  all 
men  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  and 
be  saved.  May  the  love  of  thee  and  the  love 
of  man  become  the  ruling  principle  of  the 
human  soul,  and  thus  may  thy  kingdom  come, 
and  thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in 
heaven. 

Merciful  Parent,  go  with  me  to  the  church, 
and  let  my  heart  this  day  be  so  touched  by  the 
holy  influences  of  religion  that  my  character 

40 


PRAYERS    FOR    CHILDREN". 

may  be  formed  by  its  heavenly  spirit  and  my  life 
govern  oil  by  its  laws. 

In  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  I  offer  these  suppli- 
cations, and  with  his  own  words  conclude  :  Our 
Father  etc.     \_Here  follows  the  LorcTs  Prayer.'] 


SUNDAY    EVENING. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  I  would  give 
thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  permit- 
ting me  to  live  through  this  day,  and  for 
enabling  me  to  meet  with  Christians  in  the  house 
of  prayer.  O  Thou  who  seest  in  secret,  I  have 
retired  to  my  closet  that  I  may  thank  thee  for 
what  my  eyes  have  seen  and  what  my  ears  have 
heard  this  day.  Grant  that  from  this  hour  I 
may  have  a  new  love  for  heavenly  truth,  new 
strength  in  holy  purposes  and  new  zeal  in  the 
Christian  cause. 

Searcher  of  hearts,  in  the  silence  of  this  hour's 
retirement,  I  solemnly  dedicate  myself  to  thee. 
Do  thou  accept  the  consecration,  and  give  me 
strength  to  perform  my  vows.     I  would  retire  to 

41 


PRAYERS    FOR   CHILDREN. 

rest  cherishing  good-will  towards  all  mankind. 
I  ask  thy  fatherly  protection.  May  the  darkness 
be  as  the  shadow  of  thy  wings.  Hear  my  prayer 
through  him  who  loved  me  and  gave  himself  for 
me.     Amen. 


MONDAY   MORNING. 

Almighty  God  my  heavenly  Father,  thon  hast 
taken  care  of  me  while  I  was  asleep.  I  thank 
thee  for  the  pleasant  light  of  this  morning.  The 
darkness  goeth  away  and  the  daylight  cometh 
at  thy  command.  I  thank  thee"  that  thou  dost 
permit  me  to  call  myself  thy  child.  I  ask  thy 
blessing  to  make  me  wise,  good,  contented,  and 
useful.  Keep  me  from  doing  wrong  this  day. 
Let  me  not  be  impatient,  or  fretful,  or  angry ;  but 
may  I  be  gentle  and  pleasant.  O  God,  bless  my 
parents,  make  me  obedient  to  them ;  and  help 
me  to  be  wiser  and  better  every  day,  so  that  I 
may  grow  up  for  heaven  ;  and  when  I  die  I  may 
go  to  thee  and  to  Jesus  Christ:    Amen. 

42 


prayers  foe  childue^ 


MONDAY    EVENING. 


Great  God,  thou  delightest  to  hear  the  prayers 
of  children,  suffer  my  petition  to  come  into  thy 
holy  presence.  Thou  hast  let  me  live  through 
another  day,  and  given  me  what  is  Lest  for  me  ; 
and  now  before  I  close  my  eyes  in  sleep,  I  wish 
to  thank  thee  for  the  good  things  I  have  received. 
I  thank  thee  for  the  light  of  the  sun,  for  the 
friends  who  instruct  me  ;  for  food  and  raiment ; 
for  a  home  to  shelter  me,  and  for  the  night  to 
rest.  Help  me  to  remember  how  I  have  spent 
this  day  ;  and  if  I  have  felt  or  said  or  done  any- 
thing wrong,  may  I  be  so  sorry  for  my  faults 
that  I  shall  do  better  to-morrow.  I  wish  to  be 
more  kind  and  more  industrious  every  day.  Let 
not  my  lips  speak  evil  of  others,  nor  my  la-art 
wish  them  any  pain,  nor  my  hands  do  them  any 
mischief;  but  may  I  speak  the  truth  always,  and 
do  unto  others  as  I  wish  them  to  do  unto  me. 
Bless  all  poor  people,  and  those  who  are  sick  and 
unhappy. 

My  Heavenly  Father,  I  am  now  going  to  sleep. 

43 


PRAYERS    FOR   CHILDREN. 


Thou  seest  me  by  night  as  well  as  by  day.  Keep 
me  safe,  and  awake  me  in  the  morning  in  health. 
If  I  die  during  the  night  take  me  to  heaven  to 
be  happy  forever.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth, 
thou  hast  created  me  by  thy  power,  preserved 
me  by  thy  care,  and  supported  me  by  thy  good- 
ness. I  am  indebted  to  thee  for  all  that  I  have  ; 
I  am  dependent  on  thee  for  all  that  I  want ;  and 
I  owe  to  thee  all  that  I  can  do.  Thou  hast 
watched  over  me  during  the  defenceless  hours 
of  the  night.  I  have  slept  in  safety  and  awoke 
in  health.  Early  will  I  seek  and  praise  and 
thank  thee.  I  sincerely  thank  thee  for  that 
bountiful  providence  which  has  nourished  and 
cheered  me.  I  thank  thee  for  my  reason, 
education  and  religion ;  for  all  the  gifts  of 
nature  and  grace ;  for  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ; 
for  my  redemption,  and  instruction  in  the  truth, 

44 


PRAYERS    FOR   CHILDREN. 

for  the  enjoyments  of  this  present  life  and  for 
the  promises  and  hopes  of  a  better  life  to  come. 

O  God,  may  these  mercies  lead  me  to  love 
thee  more  and  serve  thee  better;  to  love  Jesus 
Christ  more  and  serve  him  better ;  to  love  my 
parents  and  friends  more  and  serve  them  better ; 
and  to  be  more  willing  to  do  to  others  as  I  wish 
they  should  do  to  me. 

While  I  now  go  forth  to  the  duties  of  the  day, 
do  thou  go  with  me ;  keep  me  from  harm  and 
bless  me  through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


TUESDAY    EVENING. 

Kixd  Author  of  my  being,  I  would  adore  thee 
as  my  Preserver  and  Benefactor.  Another  day 
has  gone  to  return  no  more.  I  thank  thee  for  thy 
care.  Thy  mercies  come  to  me  with  every  mo- 
ment of  my  life.  They  are  more  than  I  can 
number,  and  many  more  than  I  have  deserved. 
I  have  sinned  against  thee ;  for  I  have  left  un- 
done some  things  which  I  ought  to  have  de&e, 

45 


PRAYERS    FOE    CHILDREN. 

find  Lave  clone  some  tilings  which  I  ought  not  to 
have  done.  Thou  knowest  all  my  faults.  As 
thou  hast  promised  to  forgive  me  if  I  truly  re- 
pent, I  earnestly  pray  thee  to  look  in  pity  on  my 
sins,  and  teach  me  so  to  live  that  I  shall  offend 
no  more.  I  desire  to  be  a  Christian  in  spirit  and 
in  deed. 

Blessed  guide  of  my  youth,  do  thou  preserve 
me  from  all  corrupt  communications  ;  from  those 
youthful  lusts  that  weaken  the  understanding  and 
ruin  the  soul.  I  would  be  pure  in  thought  and 
action.  Preserve  my  tongue  from  uttering  false- 
hood, deceit  or  impiety,  and  my  hands  from  com- 
mitting injustice.  May  I  be  industrious,  so  that 
I  shall  be  "useful ;  and  virtuous,  so  that  I  shall  be 
happy. 

God  of  the  night,  keep  me  in  safety  while  I 
sleep ;  and  when  my  life  on  earth  shall  end,  ad- 
mit me  to  the  happy,  cloudless  and  eternal  day 
of  heaven.     Amen. 


40 


PEAYEES    FOE   CDILDEEN. 


WEDNES  DAY   MOB  N I X  G. 


Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord  God  Almighty,  who 
lovest  righteousness  and  lookest  with  favor  on 
the  upright,  I  would  not  go  forth  to  the  duties  of 
this  or  any  other  day,  without  raising  my  soul  to 
thee  in  prayer  for  guidance  and  help.  I  come  in 
the  name  of  my  blessed  Saviour  to  seek  a 
Parent's  face  and  a  Parent's  blessing. 

God  of  goodness  and  strength,  go  with  me 
through  life.  Enable  me  to  exhibit  purity  in  all 
my  words,  prudence  in  all  my  plans,  honesty  in 
all  my  dealings,  and  kindness  in  all  my  relations. 
Give  me  courage  in  danger,  fortitude  in  trial,  re- 
signation in  adversity,  and  in  prosperity  a  hum- 

■ 
ble  mind.  Above  all,  give  me  earnestness  in  im- 
ploring thy  grace,  strength  in  keeping  thy  com- 
mands, and  zeal  in  working  out  my  salvation. 
Thus,  O  God,  in  the  way  of  heaven  may  I  never 
halt,  never  look  back,  never  turn  to  the  right 
hand  or  to  the  left,  but  pressing  forward  to  those 
things  that  are  before,  may  my  path  be  that  of 
the  just  which  shines  brighter  and  brighter  to  the 
perfect  day. 

47 


PRAYERS   FOR    CHILDREN. 


And  to  thee,  O  God,  only  wise,  shall  be  glory- 
forever  through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY    EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  defend  me  from  every  unclean 
thought,  unlawful  design,  and  turbulent  action. 
May  I  never  let  the  sun  go  down  upon  my  wrath. 
Free  my  heart  of  envy,  hatred,  malice,  pride  and 
discontent.  O  let  my  body  be  always  subject  to 
my  soul,  my  senses  to  my  reason,  and  my  reason 
to  thy  gracious  instruction;  so  that  outwardly 
and  inwardly  I  may  be  fully  disposed  to  do  thy 
will.  My  heart's  desire  and  prayer  is,  that  I  may 
adorn  with  thy  moral  perfections  the  spiritual 
nature  thou  hast  given  me,  and  thus  retain  thy 
divine  image  in  my  soul. 

Let  it  please  thee,  Source  of  all  power,  to  an- 
swer, by  a  message  of  strength,  these  my  earnest 
supplications  through  him  who  died  to  deliver 
me  from  this  present  evil  world,  while  I  ascribe 
to  thee  all  honor  and  glory  forever.     Amen. 

48 


PRAYERS    FOR    CHILDREN. 


THURSDAY   MORXIXG. 


Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  of  whom  and 
for  whom  and  by  whom  are  all  things,  how  grate- 
ful should  I  feel  that  in  seeking  thee  I  seek  the 
face  and  favor  of  a  wise  and  good  Parent.  Thou 
art  the  light  of  every  heart  that  sees  thee,  the 
strength  of  every  mind  that  knows  thee,  and  the 
life  of  every  soul  that  loves  thee.  Hallowed  be 
thy  name.  I  would  manifest  my  reverence  for 
thy  perfections,  by  seeking  and  knowing  and  lov- 
ing thee  as  I  ought ;  and  do  thou  engage  my 
whole  soul  to  worship  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth, 
and  to  honor  thee  in  life  and  in  death. 

Our  Father,  etc. 


THURSDAY   EVENING. 

May    thy  kingdom    come.      May    Christian 
faith,  holiness,  and  hope,  spread  through    the 
nations,  and  all  thy  children  own  their  allegi- 
ance and  rejoice  in  thy  Son.     O  let  error  lose 
3  49 


PRAYERS    FOR   CHILDREN. 

its  sway  and  vice  its  power,  and  let  men  bring 
every  thought  into  subjection  to  the  principles 
of  truth,  freedom,  and  peace.  Thus  may  thy 
will  be  done  by  thy  family  below,  as  it  is  done 
by  the  angels  who  compose  thy  family  above. 

May  thy  kingdom  come  also,  in  my  own  heart ; 
may  the  fruits  of  the  spirit  abound  in  my  life 
and  enable  me  to  feel  and  to  show  to  others  that 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  within  me. 

Our  Father,  etc. 


FRIDAY   MORNING. 

Giver  of  all  good,  thy  word  allows  me  to  pray 
for  temporal  blessings ;  yet  I  would  not  ask  for 
uninterrupted  prosperity,  or  dangerous  riches, 
or  seducing  honors,  but  that  thou  wouldst  this 
day  and  every  day  feed  me  with  food  convenient 
for  me.  So  for  as  to  thy  .wisdom  it  may  seem 
best,  let  my  state  on  earth  be  comfortable  and 
my  days  tranquil  and  pleasant.  Shield  me  from 
extreme  distress.      Let   the  enjoyment  of  those 

50 


PRAYERS    FOR   CHILDREN. 

relatives  and  friends  who  are  most  dear  to  me, 
be  still  continued,  and  when  thou  shalt  see  fit  to 
withdraw  them,  graciously  support  me  undei 
the  loss,  and  grant  that  all  events  may  help  my 
progress  in  piety,  wisdom  and  virtue. 

Our  Father,  etc., 


FRIDAY   EVENING. 

God  of  compassion,  forgive  my  offences  as  I 
also  forgive  those  who  wrong  me.  Being  merci- 
ful to  others,  may  I  find  thy  mercy,  and  may  it 
be  my  joy  to  present  this  request  with  that  for- 
giving temper  towards  those  who  have  offended 
me  which  thou  requirest  of  all  them  who  would 
obtain  thy  pardon.  I  would  continually  mourn 
over  my  sins  with  a  godly  sorrow ;  and  desiring 
to  be  restored  to  thy  image  and  reinstalled  in  thy 
favor,  I  pray  for  that  repentance  which  is  unto 
life. 

Our  Father,  etc. 
51 


PRAYERS   FOR    CHILDREN. 


SATURDAY    MORNING. 


God  of  strength,  bring  me  not  into  temptation, 
but  deliver  me  from  evil.  Subject  me  not  to 
trials  through  which  I  cannot  pass  unharmed. 
May  the  circumstances  of  life  be  no  longer  the 
occasions  of  sin,  but  the  sources  of  improvement. 
Never  leave  me,  O  Father,  never  forsake  me. 
Let  pride,  envy,  and  sloth,  let  hypocrisy,  unkind- 
ness,  and  lust,  be  put  far  from  me,  while  my 
temper  and  habits  become  those  of  thy  kingdom. 

Our  Father,  etc. 


SATURDAY    EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  thy  child  would  close  the  week 
with  ascribing  to  thee  the  praise  with  which 
Jesus  Christ  has  taught  us  to  close  all  prayers. 

God  of  my  spirit,  my  time  here  is  short.  May 
I  set  that  value  on  my  soul  which  thou  hast  put 
upon  it  by  creation  and  redemption.  Coming 
from  thee  at  first,  and  destined  to  return  to  thee 

52 


rRAYERS   FOR   CHILDREN. 

at  last,  may  I  consider  its  dignity  and  durability, 
and  resolve  to  secure  its  salvation,  whatever 
present  pleasures  are  to  be  resigned,  or  what- 
ever temporal  sufferings  are  to  be  endured.  And 
having,  through  thy  assisting  grace,  discharged 
the  duties  of  life  with  uprightness  and  sincerity, 
may  I  be  prepared  to  meet  its  last  closing  scene 
without  sorrow  or  dismay.  After  a  tranquil  exit 
from  this  world,  may  I  find  myself,  through  thine 
infinite  mercy,  in  those  mansions  of  everlasting 
rest  and  peace  which  my  Saviour  has  gone  to 
prepare  for  his  faithful  followers;  and  there, 
with  a  purer  worship  than  belongs  to  earth,  may 
I  ascribe  to  thee  the  kingdom,  the  power,  and 
the  glory  forever.     Amen. 


53 


SPECIAL     PRAYERS. 


FOR  A  VERY   YOUXG   CHILD. 

My  heavenly  Father;  thou  seest  all  I  do,  and 
nearest  all  I  say.  Thou  art  very  kind  to  me.  I 
thank  thee  for  all  thy  gifts ;  they  are  more  than 
I  can  remember.  O  Lord,  take  care  of  me,  and 
make  me  a  good  and  happy  child.     Amen. 


FOR  A  YOUNG  CHILD. 

My  Father  in  heaven ;  thou  art  very  great 
and  good.  Thou  didst  make  the  sun  and  the 
moon  and  the  stars.  Thou  makest  the  clouds  to 
move  in  the  sky,  and  sendest  down  the  rain  from 
heaven.  Thou  makest  the  summer  and  winter. 
Thou  keepest  me  alive  in  the  day-time  and  in  the 
night.      Thou  hast  given  me  kind  parents.      I 

51 


PRAYERS   FOR   CHILDREN. 

thank  tliee  for  all  these  good  things.  I  wish  to 
love  thee  more  and  more  every  day,  and  to  do 
what  will  please  thee.  I  wish  to  love  my 
parents  more,  and  to  do  all  they  tell  me.  O 
Lord,  look  down  npon  me,  and  bless  me,  and 
make  me  a  good  and  happy  child.     Amen. 


FOR  A  YOUXG   ORPHAN. 

O  3iY  heavenly  Father,  to  whom  shall  I  go  bnt 
to  thee  ?  Thon  feedest  the  young  ravens  when 
they  cry.  Thon  art  the  father  of  the  fatherless, 
and  thy  love  is  more  tender  than  the  love  of  a 
mother.  I  desire  to  put  myself  under  thy 
heavenly  care,  since  I  have  lost  one  [both]  of 
my  earthly  parents.  Save  me  from  danger ; 
from  wicked  actions  and  bad  company.  Give 
me  good  friends ;  and  may  those  with  whom  I 
dwell  be  kind  to  me,  and  pray  for  me,  and  teach 
me  what  I  ought  to  know.  Let  me  not  be  a  bur- 
den to  any  one,  but  may  I  be  gentle,  patient, 
industrious  and  honest,  and  find  favor  in  the 

55 


PKAYEKS   FOE   OHILDKEN. 

eyes  of  others  by  my  good  behavior.  O  Lord, 
do  thou  guide  and  bless  me ;  and  at  my  death 
bring  me  home  to  the  house  of  my  heavenly 
Father  where  I  may  meet  the  good  persons  who 
have  gone  to  happiness  before  me.    Amen. 


56 


Mites   ai  tit   Cluutlr. 

O  o  o  o 


PUBLIC 


CONSECRATION-   OF   CHILDREN. 


^[  The  service  should  be  performed  in  the  church  except  in 
cases  of  necessity.  -The  child  is  to  be  presented  by  its  parents 
or  guardians. 


^[  When  the  child  has  been  brought  to  the  Altar,  the  follow- 
ing preface  shall  be  read  : 

jEsrs  said  unto  his  disciples,  "Suffer  little 
children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ; 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God.  Yerily  I  say 
unto  you,  whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  king- 
dom of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter 
therein."  And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put 
his  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 

01 


public  consecration  of  children. 

Dear  Friends: 

By  bringing  this  child  to  the  Altar,  you 
express  a  desire  that  all  the  holy  influences  of  the 
church  may  surround  him  from  his  earliest 
youth,  that  he  may  be  consecrated  to  the  service 
of  God  and  Jesus  Christ  and  our  common 
humanity,  that  when  he  arrives  at  a  proper  age 
he  may  avow  himself  a  disciple  of  our  Lord,  and 
that  you  may  have  strength  faithfully  to  per- 
form your  duty  towards  him,  as  Christian 
parents  ; 

I  demand  therefore, 

Will  you  faithfully  and  earnestly  exhort  this 
child  to  renounce  the  hurtful  vanities  of  this 
world,  with  all  covetous  desires  of  the  same,  and 
carnal  desires  of  the  flesh,  so  that  he  may  not 
follow  nor  be  led  by  them? 

Answer,  I  will. 

Min.  "Will  you  instruct  him  in  the  Gospel  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ? 

Ans.  I  will. 

Min.  "Will  you  exhort  him  to  keep  God's  holy 
will  and  commandments,  and  to  walk  in  the 
same  all  the  days  of  his  life  ? 

62 


PUBLIC    CONSECRATION   OF   CHILDREN. 

Ans.  I  will. 

^[  Then  shall  the  Minister  take  the  child  in  his  arms  and  say 
to  the  parents  or  guardians — 

Name  this  child. 

T[  Then  naming  it  after  them,  and  either  dipping  it  into  the 
water,  or  sprinkling  water  upon  it,  he  shall  say  : 

I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father  and 
of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

T[  Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  ever  blessed  God,  by  whose 
providence  the  different  generations  of  mankind 
are  raised  np  to  know  thee,  and  to  enjoy  thy 
favor  forever;  grant  that  this  child,  now  dedi- 
cated to  thee  by  our  office  and  ministry,  may  be 
indued  with  heavenly  virtues,  and  everlastingly 
saved  through  thy  mercy,  who  dost  live  and 
govern  all  things,  world  without  end.  We 
beseech  thee  to  enable  thy  servants  who  are 
intrusted  with  the  care  of  this  child,  to  perform 
their  duty  faithfully;  give  them  wisdom  to  be 

63 


PUBLIC   CONSECRATION   OF   CHILDREN. 

his  defence  against  the  temptations  incident  to 
childhood  and  youth  ;  and  as  he  grows  up  in  life, 
graciously  assist  them  to  enlarge  his  understand- 
ing and  to  open  his  heart  to  the  impressions  of 
religion  and  virtue.  This  our  petition  we  hum- 
bly present  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Mediator  and  Kedeemer.     Amen, 

Now  unto  him  who  is  able  to  keep  us  from 
falling,  and  to  present  us  faultless  before  the 
presence  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the 
only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory,  and 
majesty,  and  dominion  and  power,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  forever  and  ever.     Amen. 


C4 


ORDER  OF   CONFIRMATION. 


^[  When  the  children  shall  have  arrived  at  a  suitable  age,  it  is 
recommended  that  they  be  assembled  before  the  Altar,  on  the 
Sunday  preceding  the  Communion ;  and  the  Minister,  having 
first  baptized  any  who  may  not  have  received  that  Ordinance, 
shall  proceed  to  confirm  them  as  Members  of  the  Church  as 
follows : 

^[  The  Minister  shall  say  : 

You  have  now  arrived  at  that  period  of  life, 
when  it  is  proper  you  should  confirm  the  promises 
made  for  you  in  your  consecration,  and  when  you 
should  publicly  take  upon  yourselves  the  name 
of  Christ  by  professing  your  faith  in  him,  and 
your  determination  to  be  governed  by  his  laws. 
Do  you  now  in  the  presence  of  God  and  of  this 
congregation,  solemnly  promise  and  vow,  that 
you  will  set  your  affections  on  the  things  of  hea- 

65 


ORDER   OF   CONFIRMATION. 

veil  and  strive  to  live  as  becometh  those  who 
have  heard  the  Gospel  of  Christ  ? 

^[  Each  shall  audibly  answer — 

I  do. 

Minister.  Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 

Answer.  Who  hath  made  heaven  and  earth. 
Min.  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord  ; 
Ans.  Henceforth  world  without  end. 
Min.  Lord  hear  our  prayer. 
Ans.  And  let  our  cry  come  unto  thee. 
Min.  Let  us  pray. 

\  Then  all  devoutly  kneeling  he  shall  say  : 

Almighty  God,  unto  whom  all  hearts  are 
open,  all  desires  known,  and  from  whom  no 
secrets  are  hid;  cleanse  the  thoughts  of  our 
hearts  by  the  inspiration  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  perfectly  love  thee,  and  worthily  mag- 
nify thy  holy  name,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Most  merciful  God,  grant  unto  these  thy 
OG 


ORDER   OF  CONFIRMATION-. 

young  servants,  who  have  this  day  taken  upon 
them  the  name  of  Christ,  that  Divine  help  which 
they  will  need  to  enable  them  to  keep  their 
vows.  May  they  be  saved  from  all  sin  and 
uncleanness  and  be  preserved  blameless  in  thy 
church  below  till  thou  shalt  remove  them  to  the 
church  triumphant  to  join  the  glorious  company 
of  the  apostles  and  the  noble  army  of  martyrs  in 
giving  unceasing  praise  to  thy  name,  through 
him  who  sitteth  at  thy  right  hand,  to  whom  with 
thee  be  glory  in  the  church  forever.     Amen. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  m  be 
thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be 
done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  tres- 
passes, as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass  against 
us.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation  ;  but  deli- 
ver us  from  evil.  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power  and  the  glory,  forever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

Tf  Here,  all  rising,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

God  spake  those  words  and  said — I  am  the 

67 


ORDER   OF   CONFIRMATION. 

Lord  thy  God ;  thou  slialt  have  no  other  gods 
but  me. 

Answer.  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  in- 
cline our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Thou  shalt  not  make  to  thyself  any 
graven  image,  nor  the  likeness  of  anything  that 
is  in  the  heaven  above,  or  in  the  earth  beneath, 
or  in  the  water  under  the  earth.  Thou  shalt 
not  bow  down  to  them  nor  worship  them ;  for  I 
the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  and  visit 
the  sins  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children,  unto . 
the%  third  and  fourth  generation  of  those  who 
hate  me,  and  show  mercy  unto  thousands  of 
those  who  love  me  and  keep  my  commandments. 

Ans.  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Thou  shalt, not  take  the  name  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  in  vain;  for  the  Lord  will  not 
hold  him  guiltless  who  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

Ans.  Lord  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Remember  that  thou  keep  holy  the  Sab- 
bath day.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all 
that  thou  hast  to  do  ;  but  the  seventh  is  the  Sab- 

68 


ORDER    OF    CONFIRMATION. 

bath  of  the  Lord  thy  God.  In  it  thou  slialt  do 
no  manner  of  work,  thou  and  thy  son,  and  thy 
daughter,  thy  man-servant,  and  thy  maid-ser- 
vant, thy  cattle,  and  the  stranger  that  is  within 
thy  gates.  For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  hea- 
ven and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is, 
and  rested  the  seventh  day  ;  wherefore  the  Lord, 
blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  hallowed  it. 

Ans.  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  that 
thy  days  may  be  long  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee. 

Ans.  Lord  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Thou  shalt  do  no  murder.     • 

Ans.  Lord  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

Ans.  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

Ans.  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

69 


ORDER   OF   CONFIRMATION. 

Min.  Thou  slialt  not  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbor. 

Arts.  Lord,  Lave  mercy  upon  us,  and  incline 
our  hearts  to  keep  this  law. 

Min.  Thou  slialt-  not  covet  thy  neighbor's 
house,  thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife, 
nor  his  servant,  nor  his  maid,  nor  his  ox,  nor 
his  ass,  nor  anything  that  is  his. 

Ans.  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  write  all 
these  thy  laws  in  our  hearts  we  beseech  thee. 

^[  Then  shall  the  Minister  say : 

Hear  also  what  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ 
saith : 

The  first  of  all  the  commandments  is,  Hear, 
O  Israel ;  the  Lord  our  God,  is  one  God ;  and 
thou  slialt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength. 

This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment. 
And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  namely,  this : 

Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

There  is  none  other  commandment  greater 
than  these. 

70 


ORDER    OF    CONFIRMATION. 

^  Then  shall  the  Minister  present  to  each  person  so  confirmed 
a  copy  of  the  Bible  ;  saying  at  the  same  time  : 

My  brethren  (and  sisters),  I  present  you  the 
Bible,  the  only  authorized  creed,  wherein  you 
will  find  all  necessary  truth  ;  and  I  affectionately 
exhort  you  to  search  the  Scriptures  diligently, 
to  endeavor  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  all  doctrine  ; 
and  whatever  conclusions  you  may  arrive  at, 
never  to  yield  your  religious  convictions  through 
fear,  favor,  or  worldly  affection. 

^[  Then  shall  he  further  say : 

Having  given  yourselves  up  in  this  solemn 
presence  to  the  true  God  and  Jesus  Christ,  and 
to  his  people  also,  promising  to  walk  with  God 
and  this  church  of  his,  in  all  his  holy  ordinances, 
and  to  yield  observance  to  every  truth  of  his 
which  has  been  or  shall  be  made  known  to  you 
as  your  duty,  the  Lord  assisting  you  by  his  spirit 
and  grace ; 

We  then,  the  Church  of  Christ,  in  this  place, 
do  receive  you  into  fellowship,  and  promise  to 
walk  towards  you,  and  to  watch  over  you  as  a 

71 


ORDER   OF   CONFIRMATION. 

member  of  this  church,  endeavoring  your  spiritual 
edification  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

The  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through 
Christ  Jesus. 

^[  Then  while  the  persons  confirmed  are  returning  to  their 
seats  shall  be  chanted  one  of  the  following  Psalms,  if  convenient, 
or  a  hymn  may  be  sung. 

TE   DEUM   LAUDAMTJ8. 

"We  praise  thee,  O  God ;  we  acknowledge  thee 
to  be  the  Lord. 

All  the  earth  doth  worship  thee,  the  Father 
everlasting. 

To  thee  all  angels  cry  aloud,  the  heavens  and 
all  the  powers  therein. 

To  thee  cherubim  and  seraphim  continually 
do  cry, 

Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  of  Sabaoth. 

Heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  the  majesty  of 
thy  glory. 

The  glorious  company  of  the  Apostles  praise 
thee. 

72 


ORDER    OF    CONFIRMATION. 

The  goodly  fellowship  of  the  prophets,  praise 
thee. 

The  noble  army  of  martyrs,  praise  thee. 

The  holy  church  throughout  all  the  world, 
doth  acknowledge  thee, 

The  Father  of  an  infinite  majesty ; 

Thine  honorable,  true,  and  only  Son  ; 

Also  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter. 

Thou  art  the  King  of  glory,  O  Lord ; 

And  Jesus  Christ  is  thy  well  beloved  Son. 

When  thou  gavest  him  to  deliver  man,  it 
pleased  thee  that  he  should  be  born  of  a  virgin. 

"When  he  had  overcome  the  sharpness  of 
death,  he  did  open  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all 
believers. 

He  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  in  the 
glory  of  the  Father. 

We  believe,  that  he  shall  come  to  be  our 
judge. 

"We  therefore  pray  thee,  help  thy  servants, 
whom  thou  hast  redeemed  through  his  most  pre- 
cious blood. 

Itfake  them  to  be  numbered  with  thy  saints,  in 
glory  everlasting. 

i  IS 


ORDER    OF   CONFIRMATION. 

O  Lord,  save  thy  people,  and  bless  thine  heri- 
tage. 

Govern  them,  and  lift  them  up  forever. 

Day  by  day  we  magnify  thee  ; 

And  we  worship  thy  name,  ever,  world  with- 
out end. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  keep  us  this  day  with- 
out sin. 

O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon ;  have  mercy  upon 
us. 

O  Lord,  let  thy  mercy  lighten  upon  us,  as 
our  trust  is  in  thee. 

O  Lord,  in  thee  have  we  trusted ;  let  us  never 
be  confounded. 


1  Or  this : 

Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in 
peace,  according  to  thy  word. 

For  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation. 

Which  thou  hast  prepared  before  the  face 
of  all  people. 

To  be  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles  and  the 
glory  of  thy  people  Israel. 

14 


ORDER    OF    CONFIRMATION. 

^[  Here  follows  a  sermon  or  addres3  from  the  Minister,  at  the 
close  of  which  he  shall  pronounce  the  benediction  : 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  be  with  us  all  evermore.     Amen. 


15 


THE   BURIAL   OF   CHILDREN. 


^[  The  Service  shall  commence  with  the  following  sentences  ; 
the  Minister  standing  at  the  head  of  the  coffin. 

I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life  saith  the 
Lord ;  he  who  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were 
dead,  yet  shall  he  live;  and  whosoever  liveth 
and  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die. 

We  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  it  is 
certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out.  The  Lord 
gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 

While  the  child  was  yet  alive  I  fasted  and 
wept ;  for  I  said  who  can  tell  whether  God  will 
be  gracious  to  me,  that  the  child  may  live  ?  But 
now  he  is  dead  wherefore  should  I  fast  ?  Can  I 
bring  him  back  again  ?  I  shall  go  to  him,  but 
he  shall  not  return  to  me. 

76 


THE    BURIAL    OF    CHILDREN. 
^[  Then  shall  he  read  the  Ninetieth  Psalm. 

Lord,  tliou  hast  been  our  refuge  from  one 
generation  to  another. 

Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or 
ever  thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 
even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art 
God. 

Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction :  and  sayest, 
Return  ye  children  of  men. 

Thou  earnest  them  away  as  with  a  flood  ;  they 
are  even  as  a  dream,  and  fade  away  suddenly  as 
the  grass. 

In  the  morning  it  is  green  and  groweth  up ; 
but  in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  dried  up  and 
withered. 

Turn  thee,  again,  O  Lord,  at  the  last  and  be 
gracious  unto  thy  servants. 

Comfort  us  again  now,  according  to  the  time 
that  thou  hast  afflicted  us,  and  for  the  years 
wherein  thou  hast  afflicted  us,  and  for  the  years 
wherein  we  have  suffered  adversity. 

Show  thy  servants  thy  work,  and  their  children 
thy  glory. 

77 


THE   BURIAL   OF   CHILDREN. 
^[  Then  shall  he  further  say : 

And  Jesus  said,  Suffer  little  children  to  come 
unto  me,  for  of  sucli  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

^[  Then  the  Minister  shall  make  a  brief  address,  at  the  close 
of  which  he  shall  offer  up  the  following  or  an  extempore  prayer. 

^[  Let  us  pray. 

O  God,  our  heavenly  father,  in  whose  hands 
are  the  souls  of  thy  children,  and  with  whom  the 
sjnrits  of  the  innocent  departed  this  life,  are  in 
everlasting  peace  and  felicity,  enable  us  we  pray 
thee  to  understand  and  feel  the  wisdom  of  thy 
appointments,  to  bow  with  submission  to  thy 
decrees,  and  to  acknowledge  that  the  Judge  of 
all  the  earth  will  do  right ;  that  so  our  darkness 
may  be  dispelled  and  our  tears  wiped  away,  and 
our  sorrows  turned  into  joy. 

It  has  pleased  thee,  O  God,  to  send  thine  angel 
of  death  to  cut  off  a  beloved  child  from  the  land 
of  the  living,  in  the  morning  of  his  days.  "We 
believe  in  thy  loving  mercy  and  truth,  and  in  the 
Gospel  of  thy  Son.  "We  believe  that  it  is  well 
with  the  child.     Give  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to 

78 


THE    BURIAL    OF    CHILDREN. 

the  bereaved  mourners  to  say  it  is  well.  Have 
compassion  upon  tliem  in  their  grief.  Sustain 
them  by  faith  in  thy  sure  promises;  comfort 
them  by  thy  holy  spirit  and  strengthen  them 
with  the  consolations  of  Christ.  Impress  on 
their  minds  the  assurance  that  thou  didst  call 
the  child,  and  that  he  is  now  resting  peacefully 
and  safely  in  the  arms  of  the  loving  Saviour 
who  when  he  was  on  the  earth  took  little  child- 
ren in  his  arms,  and  blessed  them. 

And  grant,  0  most  merciful  God,  that  this 
bereavement  may  so  touch  their  hearts,  that  they 
may  have  a  new  sense  of  their  relation  to  thee, 
and  a  new  desire  to  do  thy  will,  and  to  devote 
themselves  to  thy  service  in  holiness  and  right- 
eousness all  their  days. 

May  we  all  live  as  those  who  must  die,  and 
who  after  death  must  give  an  account  of  their 
stewardship.  May  the  sorrows  which  thou  shalt 
see  fit  to  send  us  be  so  improved  and  sanctified 
that  we  may  be  able  to  say,  It  is  good  for  us 
that  we  have  been  afflicted.  And  when  thou 
shalt  call  us  hence  may  we  be  received,  through 
thine  infinite  mercy,  into  that  place  where  sorrow 

79 


THE   BURIAL   OF   CHILDREN". 

is  unknown  and  where  joy  is  eternal ;  we  ask  it 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and 
Saviour.     Amen. 

Tf  At  the  close  of  the  prayer  he  shall  say: 

Peace  be  to  this  household. 

The  Services  will  he  concluded  at  the  grave. 

^[  At  the  grave  the  Minister  shall  say : 

My  brethren,  what  is  our  life  ?  It  is  even  a 
vapor,  that  appeareth  for  a  little  while,  and  then 
vanisheth  away.  It  is  as  the  early  dew  of  morn- 
ing, that  glittereth  for  a  short  time,  and  then  is 
exhaled  to  heaven.  Where  is  the  beauty  of 
childhood  ?  where  is  the  light  of  those  eyes,  and 
the  bloom  of  that  countenance?  The  light  is 
quenched,  the  eyes  are  closed,  the  bloom  is 
faded,  the  countenance  is  changed.  Who  is 
young  and  who  is  old  ?  Whither  are  we  going, 
and  what  shall  we  become  ?  The  grey  head  is 
laid  low ;  and  the  blossom  of  youth  perisheth. 
All  are  in  the  hands  of  God. 

The  voice  said,  cry  !  And  he  said,  What  shall 
I  cry  ?     All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  goodliness 

80 


THE    BUELAL    OF    CHILDEEX. 

thereof  is  as  the  flower  of  the  field.  The  grass 
withereth,  the  flower  fadeth,  because  the  wind 
of  the  Lord  bloweth  upon  it.  The  grass  wither- 
eth, the  flower  fadeth,  but  the  word  of  our  God 
shall  stand  forever.  And  the  word  of  God  is 
his  promise  to  you  and  to  your  children,  through 
Christ  Jesus.  And  this  is  the  promise  that  he 
hath  promised  us,  even  eternal  life.  This  cor- 
ruptible shall  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mor- 
tal shall  put  on  immortality. 

*~  Then  while  the  earth  shall  be  cast  upon  the  coffin  by  some- 
one standing  by,  he  shall  say  • 

Forasmuch  is  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God 
to  take  unto  himself  the  soul  of  this  deceased 
child,  we  therefore  commit  his  body  to  the 
ground  ;  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to 
dust,  looking  for  a  joyful  resurrection,  and  the 
life  of  the  world  to  come,  when  the  earth  and 
the  sea  shall  give  up  their  dead,  and  the  corrup- 
tible bodies  of  those  who  sleep  in  Jesus,  shall 
be  changed  and  made  like  unto  his  glorious  body 
according  to  the  mighty  working  whereby  he  is 
able  to  subdue  all  things  to  himself. 

4*  81 


THE   BURIAL    OF   CHILDREN. 

*Jf  Then  shall  he  further  say : 

I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto  me 
write,  From  henceforth  blessed  are  the  dead 
which  die  in  the  Lord. 

^[  Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  ever-living  God,  we  fly  to  thee 
as  our  eternal  refuge ,  we  rest  ourselves  upon 
thee,  the  rock  of  ages.  We  see  thy  hand  in  all 
the  circumstances  of  our  lives ;  we  confess  the 
wisdom  which  created  us  of  the  dust ;  and  bow 
to  the  decree  which  determines  that  unto  the 
dust  we  must  return.  Thou  keepest  our  frame, 
thou  rememb  crest  that  we  are  dust ;  we  there- 
fore pray  thee,  help  our  infirmities,  and  pitifully 
behold  the  sorrow  of  our  hearts.  Sanctify  to 
this  family  the  affliction  thou  hast  called  them  to 
bear.  PoUr  into  their  troubled  minds  the  conso- 
lations of  thy  spirit,  and  teach  them  to  turn  this 
their  sorrow  into  their  eternal  good.  May  they 
be  still  and  know  that  thou  art  God,  and  thou 
dost  not  unkindly  afflict  or  grieve  the  children  of 
men.     May  they  resign  without  murmuring  this 

82 


THE    BURIAL   OF   CHILDREN. 

object  of  their  love,  assured  that  though  lost  to 
them,  Tic  lives  to  thee.  May  they  endure  tribu- 
lation as  becometh  thy  children,  and  disciples  of 
thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ.  O  Lord  regard  all  thy 
servants  in  mercy.  Lead  us  through  this  valley 
of  tears  with  safety  and  peace,  with  holiness  and 
religion,  with  spiritual  comfort  and  joy;  that 
when  we  have  served  thee  in  our  generations  we 
may  be  gathered  unto  our  fathers,  having  the 
testimony  of  a  good  conscience,  and  the  hope 
that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  things  present, 
nor  things  to  come,  will  be  able  to  separate  us 
from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  be  with  us  all  evermore.     Amen, 


83 


I  a  m  i  1 1    §  t  to  0  t  i  a  w  s . 


BT 


ORDER  OF  FAMILY  WORSHIP. 


Tf  The  family  being  assembled,  the  person  appointed  shall 
read  from  the  Old  or  New  Testament,  after  which  the  following 
litany  shall  be  said  in  alternate  paragraphs  by  the  reader  and 
the  family. 

Header.  Father  Almighty,  thou  lovest  those 
who  love  thee ;  and  when  they  pray  from  the 
heart,  thou  givest  what  they  need. 

Answer.  Thou  art  looking  at  us  now  in  mercy, 
and  hearing  what  we  say. 

R.  Thou  art  great  and  wise  and  powerful. 

Aiis.  We  would  meditate  on  thy  greatness 
and  power. 

Ii.  The  light  of  the  sun  was  made  by  thee. 
Arts.  And  the  light  of  the  moon  wTas  made  by 
thee. 

E.  The  birds  that  fly  in  the  air  are  thine. 

Ans.  And  the  fishes  that  swim  in  the  deep 
sea  are  thine.  / 

89 


ORDER  OF  FAMILY  WORSHIP. 

i?.  Thou  givest  light  and  color  to  the  "beauti- 
ful flowers. 

Ans.  And  thou  dost  ripen  the  fruits  of  the 
earth. 

It.  Thou  givest  food  to  all  creatures. 

Ans.  Thou  hast  fed  us  every  day. 

Ii.  To  children  thou  givest  parents  and  friends, 
teachers  and  books. 

Ans,  0  Lord,  we  thank  thee  for  all  thy  good- 
ness. 

7?.  TTe  ought  to  remember  thee,  and  to  love 
hee  with  all  our  hearts. 

Ans.  TTe  pray  that  we  may  do  so. 

A*.  Thou  hast  given  us  thy  dear  Son,  Jesus 
Christ,  who  has  told  children  how  to  be  good 
and  happy,  and  ha?  promised  to  take  such  to 
heaven  when  they  die. 

.  "With  all  our  hearts  we  desire  to  do  what 
Je>us  tells  us,  that  we  may  live  in  his  happy 
family  forever. 

I?,  lie  says  that  we  must  not  think  any 
wicl  eights;    must   not    say   any    wicked 

Is :  must  not  do  any  wicked  actions. 

-1   s.  0   Lord,   help   us   to    remember   these 


0EDER    OF    FAMILY    WORSHIP. 

tilings ;  and  if  we  do  wrong,  may  we  be  sorry, 
and  do  so  no  more. 

R.  Holy  and  merciful  God,  we  wisli  thee  to 
love  eacli  one  of  us,  to  bless  us,  and  keep  us 

from  all  evil. 

Ans.  And  we  wish  thee  to  love  and  bless 
our  parents,  relations  and  teachers. 

Ic.  "We   also  desire  thee  to  bless  all    others, 

especially  the  sick,  the  ignorant  and  the  poor. 

Arts.  O  Heavenly  Father,  do  thou  feed  poor 
children,  and  clothe  them,  and  give  them  hooks 
and  make  them  as  happy  as  we  are. 

^  Then  shall  be  said  the  prayer  for  the  day  o  the 

Lord's  Prayer. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven  ;  hallowed  be 
thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be 
done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread.      Forgive  us  our  trespa 

we   forgive   those  who  fa 
Lead  us   not   into   temptation ;  hut   deliver  us 
from  evil ;   for  thine  is   the  Kingdom,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  forever  and  ever.     Amen. 

91 


FAMILY   PRAYERS 


SUNDAY   MORNING. 

Almighty  and  ever  blessed  God,  source  of 
all-being,  and  fountain  of  all  good;  we,  thy 
children,  come  before  thee  this  morning,  to 
express  our  sense  of  thy  goodness  to  us,  to 
acknowledge  our  dependence  upon  thee,  to  adore 
thy  greatness,  and  commend  ourselves  to  thy  care. 

Glory  be  to  thy  name  that  thou  hast  made  us 
capable  of  holding  communion,  with  thee, 
the  Father  of  our  spirits,  and  of  receiving  the 
revelations  of  thy  word  and  will.  Glory  be  to 
thy  name  for  the  heavenly  doctrines,  precepts, 
and  promises  of  the  Gospel  of  thy  Son.  We 
make  it  our  earnest  prayer  to  thee,  that  our 
hearts  may  be  touched  by  its  holy  influences, 
that  our  characters  may  be  formed  by  its  Spirit, 

92 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

that  our  lives  may  be  governed  by  its  laws.  O 
guide  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  the  ways  of  its 
truth  to  the  everlasting  home  which  it  promises 
to  the  righteous. 

Let  our  attendance  this  day  on  thy  public 
worship,  and  the  services  and  instructions  of  thy 
house,  conduce  to  our  spiritual  improvement 
and  our  eternal  good.  Let  us  enter  thy  gates 
with  thanksgiving,  and  thy  courts  with  praise, 
and  take  with  us  our  best  affections  and  resolu- 
tions to  the  temple  of  the  Lord.  Let  not  our 
thoughts,  which  ought  to  be  engaged  in  the  holi- 
est offices,  be  still  returning  to  the  cares,  plea- 
sures, and  follies  of  a  transitory  world ;  neither 
let  us  take  thy  name  upOn  our  lips  when  our 
hearts  are  far  from  thee.  But  let  our  prayers 
and  meditations  exalt  and  purify  us,  and  assist 
us  to  discharge  our  duties  in  this  life,  and  con- 
tribute to  prepare  us  for  that  eternal  world  to 
which  we  are  rapidly  hastening. 

Bless  all  who  call  upon  thy  name  this  day. 
May  they  approach  thee  in  sincerity,  humility, 
and  love.  May  all  denominations  of  Christians, 
however  divided  in  opinion,  be  joined  together 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  an  earnest  regard  for 
the  interests  of  true  religion  and  virtue.  And 
O  let  the  name  and  the  Gospel  of  thy  Son  be 
known  and  glorified  more  and  more,  till  the 
whole  world  shall  come  to  the  perfect  light,  and 
embrace  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  In  his 
worthy  name,  and  as  his  disciples,  we  offer  these 
our  petitions;  ascribing  to  thee,  the  King 
eternal,  immortal,  invisible,  the  only  wise  God, 
all  glory  and  honor,  might,  majesty,  and  domin- 
ion, now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 


SUNDAY   EVENING. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven ;  accept,  we 
beseech  thee,  our  grateful  acknowledgments  for 
all  thy  goodness  to  us  this  day ;  and  especially 
for  the  privileges  of  holy  rest,  worship,  and 
instruction.  "We  fervently  pray  that  whatever 
good  impressions  may  have  been  made  upon  us 
may  be  durable ;  that  whatever  good  resolutions 
we  may  have  formed  may  be  steadfastly  kept ; 

94 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

that  every  devout  aspiration  we  may  have 
breathed  in  the  sanctuary,  may  be  remembered 
in  the  world,  to  guard  us  against  temptation,  and 
preserve  us  holy  and  undefiled.  Help  us  to  set 
our  affections  on  things  above.  May  we  con- 
stantly live  as  in  thy  world,  in  thy  sight,  as  thy 
children.  Let  it  be  our  study  at  home  and 
abroad,  by  day  and  by  night,  to  love  and  fear 
thee  as  we  ought,  and  to  do  those  things  which 
are  well  pleasing  in  thy  sight. 

Enable  us  to  become  true  followers  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  in  all  things;  to  clothe  ourselves 
with  his  humility,  purity,  and  benevolence. 
Let  thy  will,  as  it  was  his,  be  ours  also.  Like 
him,  may  we  go  about  doing  good.  May  the 
contemplation  of  his  character,  and  imitation  of 
his  example,  bring  us  constantly  nearer  to  his  own 
perfection,  and  to  those  mansions  of  everlasting 
happiness  which  he  has  promised  to  his  disciples, 
and  gone  before  to  prepare  for  them. 

Take  us,  Almighty  God,  under  thy  sovereign 
protection. — Make  us  in  soul  and  body  wholly 
thine.  Sanctify  our  domestic  relations;  bless 
our  friends,  and  strengthen  and' purify  the  bonds 

95 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

of  ]ove  wliich  join  thy  servants  together.  May 
the  blessings  which  we  receive  from  thee,  excite 
onr  gratitude  and  animate  our  obedience.  May 
those  sorrows,  and  privations,  and  pains,  with 
which  in  thy  wisdom  thou  may  est  afflict  us,  be 
endured  with  fortitude  and  resignation,  and 
improved  to  our  eternal  peace.  "Watch  over  us 
during  the  darkness  of  this  night,  and  the  de- 
fenceless hours  of  sleep ;  preserve  us  from  all 
dangers ;  and  bring  us  to  the  light  of  another 
morning  more  inclined  to  love  thee,  and  resolved 
to  serve  thee  than  we  ever  have  been.  Accept  our 
evening  sacrifice  of  prayer  and  praise,  which  we 
offer  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  most 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


MONDAY   MORNING. 

Great  and  most  glorious  Lord  our  God ;  we, 
thy  servants,  whom  thou  hast  brought  to  see  the 
light  of  another  morning,  humbly  acknowledge 
thee  as  the  God  of  our  lives  and  the  giver  of  all 

96 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

good.  It  is  thou  who  sustainest  us  in  the  defence- 
less hours  of  sleep,  and  when  we  awake  we  are 
still  with  thee.  Encompassed  by  the  same  care 
which  guarded  us  by  night,  we  begin  the  occu- 
pations of  the  day.  O  God,  our  trust  is  in  thee. 
Give  us  grace  to  perform  our  duty  faithfully  ;  to 
use  this  world  as  not  abusing  it;  to  hold  fast 
our  integrity  as  long  as  we  live;  to  remember 
that  thou  seest  us  always,  and  that  we  must  ren- 
der a  final  account  of  all  that  we  do  to  thee,  the 
witness  and  Judge  of  men. 

>Ye  thank  thee,  O  most  merciful  Father,  for 
our  domestic  ties  and  family  blessings.  May  we 
the  members  of  this  household,  mutually  endea- 
vor to  discharge  our  several  duties  to  each  other 
with  tenderness  and  fidelity.  Let  the  gentle  and 
pure  spirit  of  the  blessed  Jesus  possess  our  hearts, 
and  influence  our  conduct. 

O  thou,  whose  blessing  is  on  the  habitation  of 
the  just,  let  us  be  the  joyful  objects  of  that  bless- 
ing, now  and  evermore.  Let  thy  mercy  encom- 
pass our  abode,  and  follow  us  in  all  our  ways. 
Throughout  our  earthly  pilgrimage,  be  thou  our 
guide  and  comforter,  let  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  be 
5  97 


FAMILY    PJSAYEES. 

our  support  m  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  ; 
and  lift  up  the  light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us 
in  the  regions  of  eternal  day.  O  God,  hear  us 
in  thy  great  mercy ;  pity  our  infirmities  ;  pardon 
our  sins ;  and  from  our  united  hearts  accept  this 
tribute  of  devotion,  through  Jesus  Christ  onr 
T.ord.     Amen, 


MONDAY   EVEXHSTG. 

O  tiiou  who  dwellest  in  the  heavens,  but  whom 
the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain,  unto  thee 
do  we  lift  up  our  souls.  Thou  art  never  far  from 
any  of  us,  and  we  cannot  flee  from  thy  presence. 
If  we  say,  The  darkness  shall  hide  us,  even  the 
night  shall  be  light  about  us ;  for  the  darkness 
and  the  light  are  both  alike  to  thee.  Thou 
seest  us  at  this  moment,  and  discernest  every 
thought  and  intention  of  our  hearts.  Thou  art 
acquainted  with  all  our  ways,  and  there  is  not  a 
word  in  our  tongues,  but  lo,  O  Lord,  thou  know- 
est  it  altogether.     Let  this  momentous  truth  be 

98 


FAMILY    PKAYERS. 

deeply  impressed  upon  our  minds.  However 
occupied,  and  in  whatever  place  or  circum- 
stances we  may  be,  may  we  remember  that  thou 
art  with  us ;  that  no  fault  which  we  commit  will 
be  overlooked,  no  virtue  we  exercise  be  unno- 
ticed, and  no  prayers  which  we  utter  be  unheard 
by  thee,  our  God.  Encircled  in  thy  protecting 
arms,  may  we  fear  no  evil.  Encompassed  by 
thine  awful  presence,  may  we  dread  all  sin. 
When  discouraged  by  difficulties,  let  us  look  up 
to  thee  from  whom  our  help  cometh ;  and  when 
distressed  by  calamity,  may  we  take  refuge  in 
thy  mercy,  and  find  peace  by  staying  our  minds 
on  the  eternal  One.  Through  life,  may  we  act 
always  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible.  In  death, 
may  we  find  our  consolation  in  the  presence  of 
Him,  who,  when  flesh  and  heart  fail,  will  be  the 
strength"  of  our  heart  and  our  portion  for  ever. 

Accept  our  thanks,  most  merciful  Father,  for 
thy  great  goodness  in  bringing  us  to  the  close  of 
another  day,  in  the  enjoyment  of  so  many  bless- 
ings. Graciously  regard  whatever  of  duty  wc 
have  this  day  performed.  Forgive  whatever  has 
been  sinful  in  us.     Bless  and  protect  our  friends. 

09 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

Let  no  evil  come  near  us  in  the  night ;  and  bring 
us  to  the  morning  rejoicing  still  in  thy  great 
goodness,  and  praising  thee,  the  Father  of  all 
mercies,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


TUESDAY  MORNING. 

Almighty  God,  maker  of  all  things,  whose  we 
are,  and  on  whom  we  entirely  depend ;  we  bless 
thee  that  thou  hast  kept  us  during  the  past  night ; 
that  thou  hast  refreshed  us  with  grateful  slum- 
bers ;  that  thou  hast  preserved  us  from  the  dan- 
gers which  walk  in  darkness,  and  hast  opened  our 
eyes  on  the  light  of  another  day. 

We  would  call 'upon  our  souls,  and  all  that  is 
within  us  to  bless  and  praise  thy  holy  name,  and 
not  to  forget  all  the  benefits  of  Him,  who  forgiv- 
eth  our  iniquities,  who  healeth  our  diseases,  who 
redeemeth  our  lives  from  destruction,  and  crown- 
eth  us  with  loving  kindness  and  tender  mercy. 
O  teach  us  how  to  thank  thee  as  we  ought ;  to 
show  forth  thy  praise  not  only  with  our  lips,  but 

100 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

in  our  lives ;  by  giving  up  ourselves  to  thy  ser- 
vice, and  by  walking  before  thee  in  holiness  and 
righteousness  all  our  days.  Let  us  cherish  that 
faith  which  is  imbibed  from  a  pure  doctrine,  and 
is  manifested  by  a  holy  life.  Let  us  cultivate 
that  piety  which  deeply  reverences  and  su- 
premely loves  a  Being  of  infinite  perfections,  and 
which  produces  as  its  natural  fruit,  a  sincere  love 
for  all  mankind.  May  every  day  of  our  lives  be 
marked  by  some  valuable  improvement,  some  act 
of  virtue,  some  victory  over  temptation  and  pas- 
sion. May  we  be  continually  advancing  nearer 
to  perfection,  to  the  moral  likeness  of  our  Sa- 
viour, and  to  thy  rest  and  happiness  above. 

O  God,  we  look  to  thee  for  thy  protection 
through  this  day.  Keep  us  from  danger  and 
sickness,  and  from  falling  into  sin.  Enable  us  to 
be  useful  to  society,  and  to  obtain  the  approba- 
tion of  those  whom  we  love.  Let  us  especially 
so  conduct  ourselves  this  clay,  and  through  all 
our  day's,  as  to  secure  thy  favor  which  is  life, 
and  thy  loving  kindness  which  is  better  than  life. 
"We  ask  all  things  in  the  name,  and  as  disciple  of 
thy  blessed  Son,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

101 


FAMILY    rRAYERS. 


TUESDAY   EVENING. 


Ever  gracious  and  indulgent  God,  who  hast 
brought  us  to  the  close  of  this  day  in  safety  and 
peace  ;  we  render  thee  our  devout  thanksgivings 
for  the  mercies  which  we  have  experienced,  and 
commend  ourselves  to  thy  continued  protection. 
Unworthy  as  we  are,  we  yet  would  seek  thy  face 
and  implore  thy  favor,  for  thou  hast  bid  us  look 
to  thee  as  our  merciful  Father,  who  will  never 
forget  nor  forsake  his  children,  and  is  always 
ready  to  forgive  those  who  truly  turn  to  him. 

We  therefore  pray  thee,  O  Father,  that  above 
all  things  thou  wouldest  assist  us  in  loving  and 
serving  thee.  What  our  lot  shall  be,  we  leave 
to  thy  wise  Providence;  but  O  teach  us,  under 
all  circumstances,  to  be  grateful  to  thee  in  pros- 
perity, and  resigned  to  thy  will  in  affliction  and 
distress.  Inspire  our  hearts  with  a  purer  love  to 
thee ;  enlighten  our  minds  with  heavenly  wis- 
dom ;  and  make  our  desires  conform  themselves 
to  thy  purposes.  Let  us  go  to  rest  this  night  at 
peace  with  all  mankind,  and  with  bosoms  free 

102 


FAMILY   PRAYERS. 

from  all  envy,  hatred,  malice,  and  uncharitable- 
ness;  and  grant  that  we  may  rise  up  in  the 
morning  with  a  firm  resolution  to  imitate  thee, 
according  to  the  measure  of  our  humble  capacity, 
by  doing  good. 

Hear,  answer,  forgive,  and  accept  us,  O  Father 
in  Heaven,  for  thine  infinite  mercy's  sake  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY   MORXIXG. 

O  thou  infinite  and  eternal  Spirit,  by  whose 
power  the  world  in  which  we  live,  and  the  count- 
less worlds  by  which  we  are  surrounded,  were 
created  from  nothing ;  by  whose  wisdom  they 
and  all  that  they  contain  are  constantly  directed ; 
by  whose  goodness  they  are  preserved  in  order 
and  filled  with  happiness  and  beauty ;  and  with- 
out whose  support  they  would  all  return  to  the 
nothing  from  which  they  came  ;  we  thy  depend- 
ent offspring  come  to  thee  this  morning  with  the 
grateful  acknowledgment  of  our  dependence  on 

103 


FAMILY    TRAYEES. 

tliy  bounty  and  protection.  By  tlieo  our  daily 
returning  wants  are  supplied;  by  thee  our  dwell- 
ings are  defended,  our  blessings  are  preserved, 
our  feet  are  kept  from  falling,  our  eyes  from 
tears,  and  our  souls  from  death. 

Weak  and  ignorant  as  we  are,  we  rejoice  to 
know  and  to  feel  that  we  are  subjected  to  thine 
all-wise  control,  and  that  we  are  surrounded  by 
the  presence  of  the  Omniscient  and  Eternal  God. 
And  especially  do  we  thank  and  bless  thee,  O 
Father,  for  thy  love  in  the  gospel  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ;  for  the  heavenly  radiance  which 
it  sheds  on  the  path  of  our  duty,  through  the 
gloom  of  affliction,  and  on  the  bed  of  death. 
"We  thank  thee  that  it  enables  us  to  look  beyond 
the  bounds  of  mortality  and  time,  and  defy  the 
power  of  change  and  death ;  and  that  it  promises 
to  the  faithful  servants  of  God,  and  true  disciples 
of  Christ,  those  glorious  rewards  of  a  future  life, 
which  eye  hath  never  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  nor 
the  heart  of  man  conceived. 

All  is  from  thee;  all  joy,  all  support,  all  im- 
provement, all  hope.  O  may  we  become  worthy 
of  thy  mercies,  by  receiving  them  as  from  thee, 

104 


FAMILY    PRATERS. 

and  using  them  according  to  thy  will ;  by  re- 
nouncing and  avoiding  all  that  is  evil  and  follow- 
ing  after  and  cleaving  to  all  that  is  good ;  by  liv- 
ing and  dying  in  thy  fear  and  love. 

Hear  ns,  O  Father,  in  heaven  where  thou 
dwellest,  and  accept  us  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Redeemer;  as  whose  disciples  we 
address  thee,  and  through  whom  we  ascribe  unto 
thee  everlasting  honors.     Amen, 


WEDNESDAY   EVEXTNG. 

O  God,  the  unchangeable  and  everlasting 
fountain  of  life,  perfection,  and  happiness  ;  we 
lift  up  our  hearts  unto  thee,  the  greatest,  wisest, 
and  best  of  beings.  Grant  that  we  may  increase 
in  knowledge  of  thee,  day  by  day  ;  that  we  may 
constantly  attain  more  pure  and  worthy  concep- 
tions of  thy  nature  and  providence  :  that  we 
may  manifest  a  more  becoming  reverence  for  thy 
perfections,  and  a  truer  concern  for  thy  honor 
and  service. 

5*  105 


FAMILY   PEAYEES. 

We  also,  pray  thee,  O  God,  to  teach  us  the 
knowledge  and  the  government  of  ourselves ; 
may  we  keep  our  hearts  with  all  diligence, 
amidst  all  the  trials  and  changes  of  the  world; 
in  prosperity  may  we  be  humble,  temperate,  and 
charitable ;  in  adversity  may  we  be  patient,  and 
wholly  resigned  to  thy  will.  Save  us,  O  gracious 
God,  from  anger  and  malice,  from  revenge  and 
uncharitableness,  from  pride  and  presumption, 
from  the  snares  of  the  wicked  and  the  fatal  influ- 
ence of  every  evil  example ;  give  us  prudence  to 
direct  our  affairs,  resolution  to  preserve  our  inno- 
cence, and  wisdom  and  constancy  to  retain  our 
integrity  as  long  as  we  live. 

O  God,  we  implore  thy  blessing  on  all  that  is 
dear  and  valuable  to  us.  We  pray  thee  to  bless 
our  country,  our  rulers,  our  friends,  the  churches 
of  Christ,  the  ministers  -of  religion,  the  instruc- 
tors of  youth,  the  rising  generation,  and  all  the 
means  of  establishing,  preserving,  and  diffusing 
the  principles  of  liberty,  holiness,  and  virtue. 
Keep  us  this  night  by  thine  almighty  power ;  be 
always  our  defender,  guide,  and  friend ;  and  to 
thee,   the   infinite    and    eternal    God,   we   will 

106 


FAMILY    PEAYEK3. 


ascribe  continually  all  glory,  honor,  and  praise, 
through.  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


THURSDAY   MORNING. 

O  thou  great  Creator,  governor,  and  supporter 
of  men ;  thou  dwellest  in  light,  and  art  the  father 
of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variableness  nor  sha- 
dow of  turning.  Grateful  for  the  care  which 
thou  hast  exercised  over  us  during  the  night 
past,  we  would  cheerfully  submit  ourselves  to 
thy  guidance  through  the  day  upon  which  we 
have  entered. 

Thou  prolongest  our  lives,  that  we  may  attain 
more  and  more  to  the  true  end  of  life.  May 
this  day  witness  some  improvement  in  know- 
ledge, piety,  and  virtue.  May  it  witness  our 
diligence  in  that  occupation  to  which  thou  hast 
called  us.  We  implore  thine  aid,  that  we  may 
walk  before  thee  this  day,  and  all  the  days  of 
our  lives.  Help  our  endeavors  after  improve- 
ment and  usefulness  ;  enable  us  to  make  every 

107 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 


day  some  progress  in  a  holy  life ;  teach  us  to 
feel  the  uncertainty  and  value  of  our  days  on 
earth;  and  when  they  shall  be  numbered  and 
finished,  receive  us  into  the  light  and  bliss  of  thy 
glorious  presence,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


THURSDAY   EVENING. 

O  Got),  the  Father  of  mercies,  the  God  of 
love,  and  of  all  consolation ;  we  thy  servants 
unite  to  present  unto  thee  our  unfeigned  thanks, 
for  all  thy  goodness  and  loving  kindness  to  us 
and  all  the  children  of  men. 

We  thank  thee,  that  thou  hast  created  us  in 
thine  own  image ;  endued  us  with  social  affec- 
tions;  implanted  in  our  hearts  a  sense  of  good 
and  evil ;  and  called  us  in  the  fear  and  love  of 
thee,  the  greatest  and  best  of  beings.  We  praise 
thee  for  our  continual  support,  and  for  all  the 
comforts  of  our  lives.  Thou  givest  us  health 
and  fruitful  seasons,  and  fillest  our  hearts  with 

108 


FAMILY   PRAYERS. 

food  and  gladness.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  even 
the  God  of  onr  salvation,  who  daily  loadeth  ns 
with  benefits. 

Above  all,  we  thank  thee  for  thy  great  mercy, 
in  sending  thy  well-beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ  into 
the  world  to  instruct  us  by  his  excellent  doc- 
trine ;  to  guide  us  by  his  perfect  example  ;  and  to 
fill  us  with  the  joyful  hope  of  eternal  life.  Thou 
hast  been  mindful  of  us  and  blessed  us;  thou 
hast  dealt  bountifully  with  us,  and  done  great 
things  for  us.  "We  will  bless  thee  at  all  times ; 
thy  praise  shall  be  continually  in  our  mouths. 

"We  acknowledge  before  thee,  O  God,  who 
rulest  the  children  of  men  with  wisdom  and 
goodness,  that  we  have  not  duly  improved  thy 
manifold  mercies.  Though  thou  hast  nourished 
and  brought  us  up  as  children,  we  have  sinned 
against  thee.  We  desire  to  forsake  all  our  evil 
ways,  and  to  return  unto  thee  with  our  whole 
hearts ;  and  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  who  art 
slow  to  anger  and  ready  to  forgive,  that  thou 
wouldst  pardon  all  our  transgressions;  O  Lord, 
show  thy  mercy  upon  us,  and  grant  us  thy  salva- 
tion. 

109 


FAMILY    PBAYER8. 

We  address  our  united  devotions  unto  thee, 
tlie  giver  of  all  good  tilings,  in  the  name  and  as 
the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and  now  unto  the 
blessed  and  only  potentate,  the  King  of  kings, 
and  Lord  of  lords,  dwelling  in  light  to  which  no 
man  can  approach,  whom  no  man  hath  seen  or 
can  see,  he  honor  and  power  everlasting.    Amc  . 


FRIDAY   MORNING. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  in  whom  we 
live  and  move  and  have  pur  being;  we,  thy 
needy  creatures,  render  thee  our  humble  praises 
for  thy  preservation  of  us  from  the  beginning  of 
our  lives  to  this  day.  We  thank  thee  for  re- 
freshing us  with  the  slumbers,  and  guarding  us 
from  the  dangers  of  the  past  night.  For  all  thy 
mercies  we  bless  and  magnify  thy  glorious  name, 
humbly  beseeching  thee  to  accept  this  our  morn- 
ing sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving. 

And  since  it  is  by  thy  mercy,  O  gracious 
Father,  that  another  day  is  added  to  our  lives, 

110 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

we  here  dedicate  both  our  souls  and  our  bodies 
to  thee  and  thy  service,  in  a  sober,  righteous,  and 
godly  life ;  in  which  resolution  do  thou,  O  mer- 
ciful God,  confirm  and  strengthen  us  ;  that  as  we 
grow  in  age,  we  may  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

But,  O  God,  who  knowest  the  weakness  of  our 
nature,  and  the  manifold  temptations  which  we 
daily  meet  with,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to 
have  compassion  on  our  infirmities,  and  to  give 
us  the  constant  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  be  effectually  restrained  from  sin  and 
excited  to  our  duty. 

In  particular,  we  implore  thy  grace  and  pro- 
tection for  the  ensuing  day.  Keep  us  temperate 
in  our  meats  and  drinks,  and  diligent  in  our  sev- 
eral callings.  Grant  us  patience  under  any 
afflictions  thou  shalt  see  fit  to  lay  on  us,  and 
minds  always  contented  with  our  present  con- 
dition. Give  us  grace  to  be  just  and  upright 
in  all  our  dealings ;  quiet  and  peaceable ; 
full  of  compassion ;  and  ready  to  do  good  unto 
all  men,  according  to  our  abilities  and  opportu- 
nities.    Defend  us  from  all  dangers  and  adver- 

111 


FAMILY   PRAYERS. 

sities  ;  and  be  graciously  pleased  to  take  ns  and 
all  tilings  belonging  to  ns  under  thy  fatherly  care 
and  protection.  These  things,  and  whatever  else 
thou  shalt  see  necessary  and  convenient  to  us,  we 
humbly  beg  in  the  name  and  as  the  disciples  of 
Jesus  Christ,  our  blessed  Lord  and  Redeemer. 
Amen, 


FRIDAY    EVENING. 

Most  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than 
to  behold  iniquity,  and  hast  promised  forgive- 
ness to  all  those  who  confess  and  forsake  their 
sins ;  we  come  before  thee  this  evening,  in  an 
humble  sense  of  our  un worthiness,  acknowledg- 
ing our  transgressions  of  thy  righteous  laws. 
But,  O  gracious  Father,  who  desirest  not  the 
death  of  a  sinner,  look  upon  us,  we  beseech  thee, 
in  mercy,  and  forgive  us  the. sins  which  we  have 
committed  against  thee.  Make  us  deeply  sensible 
of  the  evil  of  all  unrighteousness ;  and  work  in 
us  a  hearty  contrition  for  our  faults  and  offences, 

112 


FAMILY    PEAYEES. 


that  we  may  obtain  forgiveness  at  thy  hands, 
who  art  ever  ready  to  receive  the  humble  and 
penitent. 

And  lest,  through  our  own  frailty,  or  the  temp- 
tations which  encompass  us,  we  be  drawn  into 
further  sin,  grant  us  the  direction  and  assistance 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Reform  whatever  is  amiss 
in  the  temper  and  disposition  of  our  souls  ;  that 
no  unclean  thoughts,  unlawful  designs,  or  inordi- 
nate desires  may  rest  there.  Purge  our  hearts 
from  envy,  hatred,  and  malice ;  that  we  may 
never  suffer  the  sun  to  go  down  upon  our  wrath, 
but  may  always  retire  to  our  rest,  in  peace, 
charity,  and  good  will,  with  a  conscience  void  of 
offence  towards  thee  and  towards  men. 

And  accept,  O  Lord,  our  intercessions  for  all 
mankind.  Let  the  light  of  thy  Gospel  shine  upon 
all  nations ;  and  may  as  many  as  have  received 
it,  live  as  becomes  it.  Be  gracious  unto  thy 
church :  and  grant  that  every  member  of  the 
same,  in  his  vocation  and  ministry,  may  serve 
thee  faithfully.  Bless  all  in  authority  over  us ; 
and  so  rule  their  hearts  and  strengthen  their 
hands,   that  they  may  punish  wickedness   and 

113 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

vice,  and  maintain  thy  true  religion  and  virtue. 
Send  down  thy  blessings,  temporal  and  spiritual, 
upon  all  our  relations,  friends,  and  neighbors. 
Reward  all  who  have  done  us  good,  and  pardon 
all  those  who  have  done  or  wish  us  evil,  and 
give  them  repentance  and  better  minds.  Be 
merciful  to  all  who  are  in  any  trouble ;  and  of 
thine  abundant  goodness  minister  unto  them 
according:  to  their  several  necessities. 

"We  beseech  thee  to  protect  us  this  night. 
Defend  us  from  all  dangers,  and  give  us  such 
refreshing  sleep  as  may  fit  us  for  the  duties  of 
the  following  day.  Make  us  ever  mindful  of 
the  time  when  we  shall  lie  down  in  the  dust; 
and  grant  us  grace  always  to  live  in  such  a 
state,  that  we  may  never  be  afraid  to  die ;  so 
that  living  and  dying  we  maybe  thine,  and  thine 
for  evermore.  We  ask  all  in  the  name  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


SATURDAY   MORNING. 


O  Gon,  our  Creator  and  heavenly  Father,  the 
ver  of  all  good,  upon  whom  we  depend  now 
114 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

and  forever ;  we  thy  children  thank  tliee  for  the 
watchful  care  of  thy  providence,  by  which  we 
have  been  preserved  during  the  defenceless  hours 
of  the  night,  and  brought  in  safety  to  the  light 
of  another  day. 

Thy  mercies,  O  God,  are  renewed  to  us  every 
morning.  Let  our  gratitude  and  dutiful  obe- 
dience to  thee  bear  some  proportion  to  thy 
favors,  that  we  may  be  a  family  fearing  thee, 
and  glorifying  thy  name  among  men.  "We 
desire  to  set  thee  our  God  before  us  in  all  our 
ways,  that  thy  blessing  may  constantly  go  along 
with  us,  and  that  we  may  never  undertake  any- 
thing which  we  dare  not  beg  of  thee  to  prosper. 

Assist  us,  gracious  God,  in  the  discharge  of 
ail  social  and  relative  duties.  May  it  be  our 
prevailing  aim  to  bear  a  nearer  resemblance 
unto  thee,  the  original  of  all  perfection,  and  to 
proceed,  after  the  example  of  Jesus  Christ,  thy 
Son,  in  practice  of  all  goodness.  By  the  expec- 
tation of  a  happy  immortality,  may  our  virtue 
be  supported,  and  our  peace  secured;  that  we 
may  live  in  a  state  of  continual  improvement, 
and  preparation  for  that  heavenly  kingdom,  into 

115 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 

which    nothing    unholy   or   impure   shall    ever 
enter. 

O  God,  to  the  direction  of  thy  wise  and 
unerring  providence  we  do  entirely  commit  our- 
selves. Safe  under  thy  protection,  and  happy  in 
thy  favor,  we  would  cheerfully  follow  where  thou 
pleasest  to  conduct  us.  Be  with  us  this  day  and 
all  our  days.  Be  also  with  our  friends,  to  keep 
and  preserve  them  both  in  body  and  in  soul.  In 
health,  and  in  sickness,  in  life  and  in  death,  may 
we  lift  up  our  hearts  to  thee,  and  make  thy 
goodness  alone  our  confidence  and  joy  ;  and  may 
we  so  pass  through  the  changing  scenes  of  the 
present  world  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  the 
pure  and  unmixed  happiness  of  thy  glorious 
presence  forevermore.  Mercifully  hear  and  ac- 
cept us,  O  God,  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


SATURDAY    EVENING. 

O  Thou  who  alone  art  from  everlasting,  with- 
out beginning  of  days,  or  end  of  years  ;  we  re- 
11G 


FAMILY    PRATERS. 

joice  that  amid  the  continual  changes  of  this  our 
uncertain  life,  we  can  look  to  thee,  O  God,  who 
endurest  forever.  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass 
away,  Lut  thou  femainest,  and  wilt  never  fail 
those  who  trust  in  thee,  nor  hide  thy  face  from 
those  who  love  thee. 

Preserver  of  men,  at  the  close  of  another  day 
and  week,  we  would  render  unto  thee  our  sincere 
and  humble  thanks  for  all  the  mercies  of  thy  pro- 
vidence, by  which  our  lives  have  been  supported 
and  blest.  TTe  acknowledge  with  joy  that  it 
is  thou  alone  who  preservest  us,  and  makest  us 
to  dwell  in  safety;  for  in  thy  hands  alone  our 
life  and  breath  are,  and  thine  are  all  our  way.-. 

Forgive,  we  beseech  thee,  the  transgressions  of 
the  past  day,  the  past  week,  and  of  all  past  time. 
Knowing  our  frailty  and  danger  from  the  past, 
may  we  in  future  take  more  careful  heed  of  our 
steps,  and  walk  more  uprightly  before  thee. 
Quicken  our  consciences,  and  sanctify  our  hearts. 
Make  us  more  pure,  humble,  and  devout,  more 
benevolent  and  useful ;  and  so  teach  us  to  num- 
ber our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto 
wisdom. 

117 


FAMILY    PLAYERS. 


Hitherto  thou  hast  helped  and  sustained  us. 
Truly  our  hope  is  in  thee,  and  under  the  shadow 
of  thy  wings  will  we  put  our  trust.  Grant  us 
refreshment  this  night  by  sleep ;  and  may  we 
arise  in  thy  faYor  in  the  morning,  and  be  fitted 
for  the  sacred  duties  of  the  day.  O  thou  who 
givest  power  to  the  faint,  and  to  those  who  have 
no  might  increasest  strength,  give  unto  us 
strength  to  do  and  bear  thy  whole  will  and 
pleasure.  In  thine  everlasting  arms  support  us ; 
by  thy  mighty  power  defend  us ;  let  thy  grace  be 
sufficient  for  us,  and  thy  goodness  and  mercy 
follow  us  all  our  days. 

We  commend  to  thee  our  relatives  and  friends. 
We  ask  thy  compassion  for  the  distressed,  thy 
mercy  for  the  erring  and  guilty,  thy  blessing 
upon  all  men.  Promote  the  cause  of  knowledge 
and  religion  in  the  earth  :  let  the  pure  doctrines 
and  practice  of  Christianity  everywhere  prevail, 
and  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  thy  glory  and 
praise. 

Holy  Father,  who  dost  never  slumber  nor 
sleep ;  the  ever  blessed  God,  who  art  able  to  do 
for  us  more  exceedingly   than   we   can   ask  or 

118 


FAMILY    PBA.YEES. 


tliink  ;  the  Father  almighty ;  the  king  eternal, 
immortal  and  invisible ;  unto  thee  be  all  honor 
and  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


rRAYER     FOR    A    BEREAVED     FAMILY. 

O  thou  eternal  Lord  our  God,  the  Lord  of  life 
and  death,  who  givest  and  who  takest  away, 
enable  us  all  to  say,  with  sincere  and  humble 
resignation,  Thy  name  be  blessed,  and  thy  will  be 
done.  In  all  our  troubles  and  adversities,  when- 
soever they  oppress  us,  we  would  come  to  thee, 
O  father,  and  put  our  whole  trust  and  confidence 
in  thee,  and  lay  down  the  burden  of  our  sorrows 
before  thee,  and  look  to  thee  alone  for  consola- 
tion and  help  ;  for  we  know  that  thou  art  a  God 
of  mercy  and  compassion,  and  that  though 
clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about  thee,  right- 
eousness and  judgment  are  the  foundations  of 
thy  throne. 

We  desire   to   submit  with  all  humility  and 

119 


FAMILY    PRAYERS. 


patience  to  tlie  recent  afflictive  dispensation  of 
thy  righteous  providence.  Be  pleased  to  sanctify 
it  to  thy  servants,  the  members  of  this  family. 
Teach  ns  to  turn  this  sorrow  to  our  eternal  good ; 
and  let  the  sense  of  our  loss  make  us  cleave 
more  steadfastly  to  thee.  Let  no  repining 
thoughts  rise  in  our  hearts,  but  help  us  to  place 
our  affections  more  strongly  on  the  things  which 
are  above,  and  to  resign  unto  thee  all  our 
thoughts  and  desires.  By  this  affliction  may  we 
be  purified  from  sin,  quickened  in  duty,  mortified 
to  the  world  and  raised  above  it.  Send  thy  Holy 
Spirit  to  abide  with  and  comfort  our  hearts  and 
enable  us  to  endure  tribulation  as  becomcth  dis- 
ciples of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ. 

Bind  more  closely  together  the  surviving 
members  of  this  family.  Increase  in  us  a  tender 
and  faithful  affection.  May  we  learn  how  tc 
promote  each  others  happiness  and  mitigate  the 
sorrows  which  have  befallen  or  yet  await  us. 
Teach  us  to  feel  the  vanity  of  earthly  things,  to 
delight  in  thy  word,  to  study  thy  will,  to  observe 
thy  law,  and  to  work  out  our  own  salvation ; 
that  when  we  go  the  way  of  all  the  earth,  we 

120 


FAMILY   PBAYERS. 

may  be  comforted  by  thy  presence,  and  admitted 
to  that  heavenly  state  where  all  tears  shall  be 
wiped  from  our  eyes,  and  there  shall  be  no  more 
decay,  nor  sickness,  nor  death  ;  which  we  ask  in 
the  name  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  the  resurrection 
and  the  life,  through  whom  to  thee  be  rendered 
everlasting  praises.     Amen. 


121 


HYMNS     FOR    THE    CHURCH, 


AND    FOR 


FAMILY   AND   PRIVATE   DEVOTION. 


125 


HY1LXS  FOR  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 


1.  C.  M. 

Children's  Worship. 

We  come  in  childhood's  innocence, 
We  come,  as  children  free  ; 

We  offer  up,  0,  God,  our  hearts 
In  trusting  love  to  thee. 

Well  may  we  bend  in  solemn  joy 
At  thy  bright  courts  above  ; 

Well  may  the  grateful  child  rejoice 
In  such  a  Father's  Love. 

In  joy  we  wake,  in  peace  we  sleep, 
Safe  from  all  midnight  harms  ; 

Not  folded  in  an  angel's  wings, 
But  in  a  Father's  arms. 

127 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

2,  L.  M. 

The  Promise. 

"  Where  two  or  three,"  with  sweet  accord, 
Obedient  to  their  sovereign  Lord, 
Meet  to  recount  his  tender  grace 
And  offer  solemn  prayer  and  praise  ; 

"  There  "  says  the  Saviour  "  will  I  be, 

"  Amid  this  little  company  ; 

"  To  them  unveil  my  smiling  face, 

"  And  shed  my  glories  round  the  place." 

We  meet  at  thy  command,  dear  Lord, 
Relying  on  thy  faithful  word  ; 
Now  send  thy  Spirit  from  above 
And  fill  our  hearts  with  heavenly  love. 


3,  L.  M. 

The  Sabbath. 

Lord,  how  delightful  'tis  to  see 

A  whole  assembly  worship  thee  ! 

At  once  they  sing,  at  once  they  pray — 

They  hear  of  heaven,  and  learn  the  way, 

128 


Waits. 


HYMX8    FOU    PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

I've  been  at  Church,  and  still  would  go, 
'Tis  like  a  little  heaven  below  ; 
Not  all  my  pleasure  and  my  play 
Shall  tempt  me  to  forget  this  day. 

Oh,  write  upon  my  memory,  Lord, 
The  precepts  of  thy  holy  word, 
That  I  may  break  thy  laws  no  more, 
But  love  thee  better  than  before. 


S.  M. 

The  Church. 


Episcopal  Col 


I  love  thy  Church,  0  God, 
Her  walls  before  thee  stand, 

Dear  as  the  apple  of  thine  eye 
And  graven  on  thy  hand, 

If  e'er  my  heart  forget 

Her  welfare,  or  her  woe, 
Let  every  joy  this  heart  forsake, 

And  every  grief  o'erflow. 

6*  109 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

For  her  my  tears  shall  fall, 
For  her  my  prayers  ascend, 

To  her  my  cares  and  toils  be  given 
Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end. 

Beyond  my  highest  joy 
I  prize  her  heavenly  ways, 

Her  sweet  communion,  solemn  vows, 
Her  hymns  of  love  and  praise. 


5.  L.  M. 

Children  at  Prayer. 

God  from  on  high  looks  down  to  see 
The  humble  child  upon  his  knee  ; 
And  makes  him  there  more  happy  far, 
Than  earthly  kings  and  princes  are. 

He  loves  to  hear  an  infant  pray 
For  grace  to  walk  the  heavenly  way  ; 
And  sends  to  him  a  quick  relief 
From  every  pang,  from  every  grief. 
130 


HYMNS    FOR   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

Childhood  and  youth  by  God  are  given, 
To  gain  and  to  prepare  for  heaven; 
And  we  our  earliest  hours  should  give 
To  him  who  died  that  we  might  live. 

Our  heart  to  thee,  Lord,  may  we  give, 
And  of  thy  pardoning  grace  receive  ; 
All  earthly  joys  may  we  resign 
For  those  celestial  and  divine. 


6.  o.  M. 

A  Child's  Thank-offering. 

Father,  I  love  to  read  of  thee, 
And  learn  of  heaven  above; 

To  hear  what  thou  hast  done  for  me, 
By  thy  unceasing  love  ; — 

To  think  that  all  this  world  contains 
Was  made  and  formed  by  thee  ; 

And  yet  the  power  which  all  sustains 
Has  thought  and  care  for  me. 


Chapel  Hymns. 


131 


HYMNS   FOE    PUBLIC    WOESHIP. 

That  thou  art  ever  kind  and  good, 
My  constant  blessings  prove  ; 

My  home,  my  friends,  my  daily  food, 
Speak  thy  unfailing  love. 

Father,  I  know  each  living  thing 
Should  sing  its  Maker's  praise  ; 

Oh,  let  me  then  my  tribute  bring, 
My  little  offering  raise  ! 


7,  C.  M. 

Thanks  for  Christian  Influences. 

I  thank  the  goodness  and  the  grace 
Which  on  my  birth  have  smiled, 

And  made  me  in  these  Christian  days 
A  free  and  happy  child. 

I  was  not  born,  as  millions  are, 

Where  God  was  never  known, 
And  taught  to  pray  a  useless  prayer 
To  blocks  of  wood  and  stone. 
132 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC   WTOKSHIP. 

My  God  !  I  thank  thee,  who  hast  planned 

A  better  lot  for  me, 
And  placed  me  in  this  happy  land, 

Where  I  may  hear  of  thee. 

Help  me  to  serve  thee  every  day, 
Whilst  thou  shalt  give  me  breath  ; 

And  grant  that,  while  on  earth  I  stay, 
I  may  prepare  for  death. 


8,  C.  M. 

Early  Consecration. 

Now  that  my  journey's  just  begun, 

My  road  so  little  trod, 
I'll  come  before  I  further  run, 

And  give  myself  to  God. 

What  sorrows  may  my  steps  attend, 

I  never  can  foretell  ; 
But  if  the  Lord  will  be  my  friend, 

I  know  that  all  is  well. 

133 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

If  all  my  earthly  friends  should  die, 
And  leave  me  mourning  here, 

Since  God  can  hear  the  orphan's  cry; 
Oh!  what  have  I  to  fear  ? 

But,  Lord,  whatever  grief  or  ill 

For  me  may  be  in  store, 
Make  me  submissive  to  thy  will, 

And  I  would  ask  no  more. 


9.  c.  M. 

The  Bible. 

How  precious  is  the  book  divine, 

By  inspiration  given  ! 
Bright  as  a  lamp  its  doctrines  shine, 

To  guide  our  souls  to  heaven. 

It  sweetly  cheers  our  drooping  hearts, 
In  this  dark  vale  of  tears  ; 

Life,  light  and  joy,  it  still  imparts, 
And  quells  our  rising  fears. 
134 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

This  lamp,  through  all  the  tedious  night 
Of  life,  shall  guide  our  way, 

Till  we  behold  the  clearer  light 
Of  an  eternal  day. 


10,  C.  M. 

The  Bible  a  Guide. 

How  shall  the  young  secure  their  hearts, 
And  guard  their  lives  from  sin  ? 

Thy  word  the  choicest  rules  imparts, 
To  keep  the  conscience  clean. 

'Tis  like  the  sun — a  heavenly  light, 

That  guides  us  all  the  day  ; 
And,  through  the  dangers  of  the  night, 

A  lamp  to  lead  our  way. 

Thy  precepts  make  us  truly  wise  ; 

"We  hate  the  sinner's  road  ; 
We  hate  our  own  vain  thoughts  that  rise, 

But  love  thy  law,  our  God. 

135 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 


Thy  word  is  everlasting  truth, 
How  pure  is  every  page  ! — 

That  holy  book  shall  guide  our  youth, 
And  well  support  our  age. 


11.  S.  M. 

Thanking  God  for  the  Scriptures 

The  praises  of  my  tongue 

I  offer  to  the  Lord  ; 
That  I  was  taught  and  learnt  so  young 

To  read  his  holy  word. 

Dear  Lord,  this  word  of  thine 

Informs  me  where  to  go 
For  grace,  to  pardon  all  my  sins, 

And  make  me  holy  too. 

Oh!  may  thy  Spirit  teach, 

And  make  my  heart  receive 
Those  truths  whicli  all  thy  servants  preach 
And  all  thy  saints  believe. 
136 


HYMNS    FOR   PUBLIC   WOESHIP. 

12.  L.  M. 

The  Lord's  Prayer. 

Our  Father,  God,  who  art  in  heaven, 
To  thy  great  name  be  reverence  given  ; 
Thy  peaceful  kingdom  wide  extend, 
And  reign,  0  Lord,  till  time  shall  end. 


Thy  sacred  will  on  earth  be  done, 
As  'tis  by  angels  round  thy  throne  ; 
And  let  us  every  day  be  fed 
With  earthly  and  with  heavenly  bread. 


Our  sins  forgive,  and  teach  us  thus 
To  pardon  those  who  injure  us  ; 
Our  shield  in  all  temptations  prove, 
And  every  trial  far  remove. 


Thine  is  the  kingdom  to  control, 
And  thine  the  power  to  save  the  soul  ; 
Great  be  the  glory  of  thy  reign, — 
Let  every  creature  say,  Amen  ! 

137 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

13.  8.  7. 

Praise  the  Lord. 

Praise  the  Lord  !  ye  heavens,  adore  him  ; 

Praise  him,  angels,  in  the  height  ; 
Sun  and  moon,  rejoice  before  him  ; 

Praise  him,  all  ye  stars  of  light  ! 


Praise  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  spoken  ; 

Worlds  his  mighty  voice  obeyed  ; 
Laws,  which  never  can  be  broken, 

For  their  guidance  he  hath  made. 


Praise  the  Lord,  for  he  is  glorious  ; 

Never  shall  his  promise  fail  ; 
God  hath  made  his  saints  victorious  ; 

Sin  and  death  shall  not  prevail. 


Praise  the  God  of  our  salvation  ; 

Hosts  on  high,  his  power  proclaim, 
Heaven  and  Earth,  and  all  creation, 

Praise  and  magnify  his  name  ! 
138 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

14  1.  6. 

"  Remember  thy  Creator." 

"  Remember  thy  Creator," 

While  youth's  fair  spring  is  bright, 
Before  thy  cares  are  greater, 
Before  comes  age's  night ; 

While  yet  the  sun  shines  o'er  thee, 
While  stars  the  darkness  cheer, 

While  life  is  all  before  thee, 
Thy  great  Creator  fear. 


Hebeb. 


15,  C.  M. 

Early  Religion. 

By  cool  Siloam's  shady  rill 

How  sweet  the  lily  grows  ! 
How  sweet  the  breath,  beneath  the  hill, 

Of  Sharon's  dewy  rose  ! 

Lo,  such  the  child  whose  early  feet 

The  paths  of  peace  have  trod; 
Whose  secret  heart,  with  influence  sweet, 

Is  upward  drawn  to  God! 

139 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

By  cool  Siloam's  shady  rill 

The  lily  must  decay; 
The  rose  that  blooms  beneath  the  hill 

Must  shortly  fade  away. 

And  soon,  too  soon,  the  wintry  hour 

Of  man's  maturer  age 
Will  shake  the  soul  with  sorrow's  power, 

And  stormy  passion's  rage  ! 

0  Thou  who  giv'st  us  life  and  breath, 

We  seek  thy  grace  alone, 
In  childhood,  manhood,  age  and  death, 

To  keep  us  still  thine  own. 


16.  8.  7. 

The  Prater  of  Life. 


Millennial  Daw>. 


To  thee,  in  youth's  bright  morning, 

Father  of  all,  we  pray  ; 
While  thought  and  fancy,  dawning, 

Lead  on  the  rising  day. 


140 


HYMNS    FOR   rUBLTC    WORSHIP. 

To  thee,  in  life's  last  even, 
We'll  tune  our  feeble  breath, 

Feel  all  our  sins  forgiven, 
And  softly  sleep  in  death. 


17.  11. 


Aftos. 


"  They  that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me." 

In  life's  joyous  morning,  while  hope  still  is  bright, 
And  all  thy  green  pathway  is  beaming  with  light, 
Oh  come  to  the  Saviour,  his  mercy  embrace, 
And  sweetly  surrender  thy  heart  to  his  grace. 

Soon  cares  and  temptations  thy  steps  will  attend, 
And  sorrow's  rude  tempest  may  on  thee  descend; 
"What  arm  can  sustain  thee,  what  wisdom  can  guide  ; 
If  Christ  the  Deliverer,  be  not  at  thy  side  ? 

His  love,  if  thou  seek  him,  will  gird  thee  with  power, 
In  Manhood's  stern  conflicts,  and  trial's  dark  hour  ; 
With  rich  consolations  thy  anguish  assuage 
When  stung  by  affliction,  or  sinking  with  age. 

141 


HYMNS   FOR    TUBLIC    WOESniP. 
lOi  ^'   ->-«-•  Salisbury  Coll. 

'•  Remember  thy  Creator  in  the  Days  of  thy  Youth." 

In  the  soft  season  of  thy  youth, 

In  nature's  smiling  bloom, 
Ere  age  arrive,  and  trembling  wait 

Its  summons  to  the  tomb, — 

Kemember  thy  Creator,  God  ; 

For  him  thy  powers  employ  ; 
Make  him  thy  fear,  thy  love,  thy  hope, 

Thy  confidence,  thy  joy. 

He  shall  defend  and  guide  thy  course 

Through  life's  uncertain  sea, 
Till  thou  art  landed  on  the  shore 

Of  blest  eternity. 


19.  L.  M. 

Heaven. 

There  is  a  region  lovelier  far 
Than  sages  tell  or  poets  sing  ; 

Brighter  than  noon-day  glories  are, 
And  softer  than  the  tints  of  spring. 
142 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

There  is  a  world  we  have  not  seen, 
Which  time  shall  never  dare  destroy  ; 

No  mortal  footstep  there  hath  been, 
No  ear  hath  caught  its  sound  of  joy. 

There,  from  the  bosom  of  my  God, 
Oceans  of  endless  pleasure  roll ; 

There  would  I  make  my  last  abode, 
And  drown  the  sorrows  of  my  soul. 


20.  p.  m. 

The  Happy  Land. 

There  is  a  happy  land, 

Far,  far  away, 
Where  saints  in  glory  stand, 

Bright,  bright  as  day  : 
Oh,  how  they  sweetly  sing, 
Worthy  is  our  Saviour,  King  ; 
Loud  let  his  praises  ring 

Forevermore ! 


143 


HYMNS   FOR   PLT3LIC   WORSHIP. 

Come  to  this  happy  land, 

Conie,  come  away; 
Why  will  ye  doubting  stand  ? 

Why  still  delay  ? 
Oh,  we  shall  happy  be, 
When,  from  sin  and  sorrow  free, 
Lord  we  shall  live  with  thee, 

Blest  evermore. 


21,  C.  M. 

God  in  Nature. 

There's  not  a  tint  that  paints  the  rose, 

Or  decks  the  lily  fair, 
Or  streaks  the  humblest  flower  that  blows, 

But  God  has  placed  it  there. 

There's  not  of  grass  a  single  blade, 

Or  leaf  of  loveliest  green, 
Where  heavenly  skill  is  not  displayed 

And  heavenly  wisdom  seen. 
144 


HTMX3   FOE   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

There's  not  a  tempest,  dark  and  dread, 
Or  storm  that  rends  the  air, 

Or  blast  that  sweeps  the  ocean's  bed, 
But  God's  own  voice  is  there. 

Around,  beneath,  below,  above, 

Wherever  space  extends, 
There  God  displays  his  boundless  love, 

And  power  with  mercy  blends. 


22,  6.  5. 

The  Tribute  of  Nature. 

See  the  shining  dew-drops 

On  the  flowers  strewed, 
Proving,  as  they  sparkle, 

God  is  ever  good. 

See  the  morning  sunbeams 

Lighting  up  the  wood, 
Silently  proclaiming 

God  is  ever  good. 

7  145 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC   WORSHir. 

Hear  the  mountain  streamlet 

In  the  solitude, 
With  its  ripple  saying 

God  is  ever  good. 

In  the  leafy  tree-tops, 
Where  no  fears  intrude, 

Merry  birds  are  singing 
God  is  ever  good. 

Bring,  my  heart,  thy  tribute, 

Songs  of  gratitude, 
While  all  nature  utters, 

God  is  ever  good. 


23.  0.  M. 

The  Worship  of  Nature. 

My  heavenly  Father  !  all  I  see, 

Around  me  and  above, 
Sends  forth  a  hymn  of  praise  to  thee, 

And  speaks  thy  boundless  love. 
146 


HYiLXS   FOP   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

Hie  clear  blue  sky  is  full  of  thee  ; 

The  woods,  so  dark  and  lone, 
The  soft  south  wind,  the  sounding  sea, 

Worship  the  Holy  One. 

The  humming  of  the  insect  throngs,  * 
The  prattling,  sparkling  rill, 

The  birds,  with  their  melodious  songs, 
Repeat  thy  praises  still. 


24  c.  m. 

The  Love  of  God. 

The  loye  of  God — what  is  it  ? 

Its  bounds  no  tongue  can  tell, — 
'Tis  high  as  heaven,  'tis  wide  as  space, 

'Tis  deeper  far  than  hell  : — 
'Twas  love  that  sent  his  Son  to  earth, 

'Twas  love  that  bade  him  die, 
'Twas  Tove  that  raised  him  from  the  dead, 


And  seated  him  on  high  1 


117 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

>Tis  love  that  bids  the  little  child 

Draw  near  with  humble  trust  : 
'Tis  love  that  sometimes  calls  us  home 

To  dwell  amid  the  just. 
Oh,  that  all  things  on  earth  might  praise 

His  name  all  else  above, 
Might  shout  hosannas  to  our  God 

For  all  his  boundless  love  ! 


25,  s.  m. 

The  Fading  Lily. 

The  lilies  of  the  field 
That  quickly  fade  away 

May  well  to  us  a  lesson  yield, 
Who  die  as  soon  as  they. 


Then  let  us  think  of  death, 

Though  we  are  young  and  gay  ; 

For  God,  who  gave  us  life  and  breath, 
Can  take  them  both  away. 
148 


Christian  Psalms 


HTMN3   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

26.  H.  M. 

The  Mercy  of  God. 

No  burning  heats  by  day, 

Nor  blasts  of  evening  air, 
Shall  take  my  health  away, 
If  God  be  with  me  there  ; 

Thou  art  my  sun, 
And  thou  my  shade, 
To  guard  my  head 
By  night  or  noon. 

To  heaven  I  lift  my  eyes, 

From  God  is  all  my  aid  ; 
The  God  that  built  the  skies, 
And  earth  and  nature  made  : 

He  is  the  tower 
To  which  I  fly  ; 
His  grace  is  nigh 
In  every  hour. 


149 


HYMNS    FOR    PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

27  L.  M.  EPIS- C0LL 

Christ  our  Pattern. 

Whene'er  the  angry  passions  rise, 

And  tempt  our  thoughts  or  tongues  to  strife, 

To  Jesus  let  us  lift  our  eyes, 

Bright  pattern  of  the  Christiau  life. 

Oh,  how  benevolent  and  kind, 

How  mild,  how  ready  to  forgive  ; 
Be  this  the  temper  of  our  mind, 

And  these  the  rules  by  which  we  live. 

To  do  his  heavenly  Father's  will 

Was  his  employment  and  delight  ; 
Humility  and  lively  zeal 

Shone  through  his  life  divinely  bright- 
Dispensing  good  where'er  he  came, 

The  labors  of  his  life  were  love  ; 
Then  if  we  bear  the  Saviour's  name, 

By  his  example  let  us  move. 


150 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

no  C1    M  H>  KmKE  White' 

The  Star  of  Bethlehem. 

When  marshalled  on  the  mighty  plain, 
The  glittering  host  bestud  the  sky  ; 

One  star  alone  of  all  the  train, 
Can  fix  the  sinner's  wandering  eye. 

Hark  !  hark  !  to  God  the  chorus  breaks, 
From  every  host,  from  every  gem  ; 

But  one  alone  the  Saviour  speaks, — 
It  is  the  star  of  Bethlehem. 

Once  on  the  raging  seas  I  rode, 
The  storm  was  loud — the  night  was  dark, 

The  ocean  yawned — and  madly  flowed 

The  waves  that  tossed  my  foundering  bark. 

Deep  horror  then  my  senses  froze, 

Death-struck,  I  ceased  the  tide  to  stem  ; 

When  suddenly  a  star  arose — 
It  was  the  star  of  Bethlehem. 

It  was  my  guide,  my  light,  my  all, 
It  bade  my  dark  forebodings  cease  ; 

And  through  the  storm  and  danger's  thrall, 
It  led  me  to  the  port  of  peace. 

151 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

Now  safely  moored — my  perils  o'er, 
I'll  sing  first  in  night's  diadem, 

For  ever  and  forevermore, 
The  star  !  the  star  of  Bethlehem. 


29,  l.  M. 

11  He  hath  borne  our  Grief. 

O'er  the  dark  wave  of  Galilee, 
The  gloom  of  twilight  gathers  fast, 

And  on  the  waters  drearily 

Descends  the  fitful  evening  blast. 

The  weary  bird  hath  left  the  air, 
And  sunk  into  his  sheltered  nest ; 

The  wandering  beast  has  sought  his  lair, 
And  laid  him  down  to  welcome  rest. 

Still,  near  the  lake,  with  weary  tread, 

Lingers  a  form  of  human  kind  ; 
And  on  his  lone,  unsheltered  head 

Flows  the  chill  night-damp  of  the  wind. 
152 


RtTSSELL. 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

Why  seeks  he  not  a  home  of  rest  ? 

Why  seeks  he  not  a  pillowed  bed  ? 
Beasts  have  their  dens,  the  bird  its  nest, 

He  hath  not  where  to  lay  his  head 

Such  was  the  lot  he  freely  chose, 
To  bless,  to  save  the  human  race  ; 

And  through  his  poverty  there  flows 
A  rich,  full  stream  of  heavenly  grace. 


30,  8.  7. 

Glorying  in  Christ. 

In  the  cross  of  Christ  I  glory, 
Towering  o'er  the  wrecks  of  time ; 

All  the  light  of  sacred  story 
Gathers  round  its  head  sublime. 

When  the  woes  of  life  o'ertake  me, 
Hopes  deceive  and  fears  annoy, 

Never  shall  the  cross  forsake  me  ; 
Lo  !  it  glows  with  peace  and  joy. 


BOWBING 


153 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

When  the  sun  of  bliss  is  beaming 
Light  and  love  upon  my  way, 

From  the  cross  the  radiance  streaming 
Adds  more  lustre  to  the  day. 

Bane  and  blessing,  pain  and  pleasure, 
By  the  cross  are  sanctified  ; 

Peace  is  there  that  knows  no  measure, 
Joys  that  through  all  time  abide. 


31.  s.  M. 

Good  Tidings. 

How  beauteous  are  their  feet 
Who  stand  on  Zion's  hill, 
Who  bring  salvation  on  their  tongues, 
And  words  of  peace  reveal  ! 

How  happy  are  our  ears 
That  hear  this  joyful  sound, 
Which  kings  and  prophets  waited  for, 


Watts. 


And  sought  and  never  found  I 


154 


H-YMNS    FOR    PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

How  blessed  are  our  eyes 
That  see  this  heavenly  light  ! 
Prophets  and  kings  desired  it  long, 
But  died  without  the  sight. 

Children  !  unite  your  voice, 
And  cheerful  notes  employ  ; 
Let  the  glad  tidings  swell  your  songs, 
Till  heathens  learn  the  joy. 


32,  l.  M. 

The  Kingdom  of  Christ. 

Jesus  shall  reign  where'er  the  sun 
Doth  his  successive  journeys  run; 
His  kingdom  stretch  from  shore  to  shon 
Till  moons  shall  wax  and  wane  no  more 


People  and  realms  of  every  tongue 
Dwell  on  his  love  with  sweetest  song  ; 
And  infant  voices  shall  proclaim 
Their  early  blessings  on  his  name. 

155 


Watts. 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

Joy  shall  abound  where'er  he  reigns  ; 
The  prisoner  leap  to  loose  his  chains  ; 
The  weary  find  eternal  rest, 
And  all  the  sons  of  want  be  blest. 


33.  c.  m. 

Future  Bliss. 

There  is  a  glorious  world  of  light 

Above  the  starry  sky, 
Where  saints  departed,  clothed  in  white, 

Adore  the  Lord  most  high. 

And  hark  !  amid  the  sacred  songs 
Those  heavenly  voices  raise, 

Ten  thousand  thousand  infant  tongues 
Unite  and  sing  his  praise. 

These  are  the  hymns  that  we  shall  know, 

If  Jesus  we  obey; 
This  is  the  place  where  we  shall  go, 
If  found  in  wisdom's  way. 
156 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

34  C.  M. 

Influence. 


X 


What  if  a  little  drop  should  say, 

1  So  small  a  drop  as  I 
Can  ne'er  refresh  these  thirsty  fields, 
I'll  tarry  in  the  sky  I" 

What  if  a  shining  beam  of  noon 
Should  in  its  fountain  stay, 

Because  its  feeble  light  alone 
Cannot  create  a  day  ! 

Doth  not  each  rain-drop  help  to  form 
The  cool  refreshing  shower, 

And  every  ray  of  light  to  warm 
And  beautify  the  flower  ? 

Then  let  each  child  its  influence  give, 
0  Lord,  to  truth  and  thee  ; 

Then  will  its  power  by  all  be  felt, 
However  small  it  be. 


157 


35 


HYMNS    FOE   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

8.  7. 

The  Lambs  of  Christ. 

Humble  praises,  holy  Father, 
Infant  voices  raise  to  thee  ; 

In  thy  mercy,  0  receive  us  ; 
Suffer  us  thy  lambs  to  be. 

Blessed  Jesus,  he  hath  bidden 
Babes,  like  us,  to  come  to  thee  ; 

Though  by  his  disciples  chidden, 
Jesus  told  them  not  to  flee. 

Father,  condescend  to  feed  us, 
Richly  let  thy  mercy  flow  ; 

Send  thy  Spirit,  blessed  Father  ; 
Light  and  life  on  us  bestow. 


36.  L.  M. 

Anniversary  Exercise. 

From  year  to  year  in  love  we  meet ; 

From  year  to  year  in  peace  we  part ; 
The  tongues  of  children  uttering  sweet 

The  thrilling  joy  of  every  heart. 
158 


HYMXS    FOR   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

But  time  rolls  on,  and  year  by  yea£ 
"We  change,  grow  up,  or  pass  away  : 

Not  twice  the  same  assembly  here 
Have  hailed  the  children's  festal  day, 

Death,  ere  another  year,  may  strike 
Some  in  our  number,  marked  to  fall 

Be  young  and  old  prepared  alike — 
The  warnino;  is  to  each  to  all. 


37.  7. 

The  Resurrection. 

Christ,  the  Lord,  is  risen  to-day, 
Sons  of  men,  and  angels,  say  ! 
Raise  your  songs  and  triumphs  high  : 
Sing,  ye  heavens,  and  earth  reply  1 

Love's  redeeming  work  is  done  ; 
Fought  the  fight,  the  battle  won  : 
Lo  !  our  sun's  eclipse  is  o'er  ! 
Lo  !  he  sets  in  blood  no  more  ! 


C.  Wesley. 


159 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

Vain^the  stone,  the  watch,  the  seal  ; 
Christ  hath  burst  the  gates  of  hell  : 
Death  in  vain  forbids  his  rise  ; 
Christ  hath  opened  Paradise. 

Lives  again  our  glorious  king  : 
Where,  0  death,  is  now  thy  sting  ? 
Made  like  him,  like  him  we  rise  ; 
Ours  the  cross,  the  grave,  the  skies  ! 


38.  7.  8. 

Consecration  of  Children. 

Saviour,  who  thy  flock  art  feeding, 
With  the  shepherd's  kindest  care, 

All  the  feeble  gently  leading, 

While  the  lambs  thy  bosom  share  ; 

Now,  these  little  ones  receiving, 

Fold  them  in  thy  gracious  arm  ; 
There,  we  know,  thy  word  believing, 
Only  there,  secure  from  harm. 
300 


Epts.  Col, 


HYMNS    FOK   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

Never  from  thy  pasture  roving, 
Let  them  be  the  Lion's  prey  ; 

Let  thy  tenderness,  so  loving, 

Keep  them  all  life's  dangerous  way 

Then,  within  thy  fold  eternal, 
Let  them  find  a  resting-place  ; 

Peed  in  pastures  ever  vernal, 
Drink  the  rivers  of  thy  grace. 


39.  c.  M. 

Bringing  Children  to  Christ. 

See,  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stands 
With  all-engaging  charms  ; 

Hark  how  he  calls  the  tender  lambs, 
And  folds  them  in  his  arms ! 

"Permit  them  to  approach,"  he  cries, 
"  Nor  scorn  their  humble  name  ; 
For  'twas  to  bless  such  souls  as  these, 
The  Lord  of  angels  came." 


161 


HYMNS    FOR   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

We  bring  them,  Lord,  in  thankful  hands, 

And  yield  them  up  to  thee  ; 
Joyful  that  we  ourselves  are  thine, 

Thine  let  our  offspring  be. 

Ye  little  flock,  with  pleasure  hear  ; 

Ye  children,  seek  his  face  ; 
And  fly  with  transport  to  receive 

The  blessings  of  his  grace. 


Montgomery 


40.  L.  M. 

Preparation  for  Heaven. 

Heaven  is  a  place  of  rest  from  sin  ; 

But  all  who  hope  to  enter  there, 
Must  here  that  holy  course  begin 

Which  shall  their  souls  for  rest  prepare 

Clean  hearts,  0  God,  in  us  create  ; 

Right  spirits,  Lord,  in  us  renew  ; 
Commence  we  now  that  higher  state, 

Now  do  thy  will  as  angels  do. 
162 


HYMX3   FOR    PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

In  Jesus'  footsteps  may  we  tread, 
Learn  every  lesson  of  his  love, 

And  be  from  grace  to  glory  led, 

From  heaven  below  to  heaven  above. 


41.  C.  M. 

Christmas    Hymn. 

0  God  !  whose  holy  child  this  morn 
Appeared  on  earth  below, 

To  mortal  want  and  labor  born, 
And  more  than  mortal  woe  ; — 

Messiah  meek,  by  every  grief, 
By  each  temptation  tried  ; 

Who  lived  to  yield  our  ills  relief, 
And  to  redeem  us  died  : — 

If  gaily  clothed,  and  proudly  fed, 
In  dangerous  wealth  we  dwell  ; 

Remind  us  of  his  manger  bed, 
And  lowly  cottage  cell. 


Heber. 


1C3 


IIYM3rS   FOR   FUELIC   WORSIIIP. 

If  pressed  by  poverty  severe, 

In  envious  want  we  pine, 
His  spirit,  Lord,  can  make  appear 

The  poorest  lot  divine. 

And  when,  through  fortune's  various  scene, 
We've  meekly  served  as  he, — 

Like  him,  who  hath  a  mourner  been, 
May  we  rejoice  with  thee  ! 


42.  s.  M. 

Christmas. 

We  come,  with  joyful  song, 
To  hail  this  happy  morn  : 

Glad  tidings  from  an  angel's  tongue, 
"  This  day  is  Jesus  born  !" 

What  transports  doth  his  name 

To  sinful  men  afford  ! 
His  glorious  titles  we  proclaim, 

A  Saviour — Christ — the  Lord  ! 
164 


IIYMXS    FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

Glory  to  God  on  high, 

All  hail  the  happy  morn  : 
We  join  the  anthems  of  the  sky, 
And  sing,  "  The  Saviour's  born  I" 


43.  1.  6. 

Close  of  the  Year. 

Time  is  winging  us  away 

To  our  eternal  home  ; 
Life  is  but  a  winter's  day, 

A  journey  to  the  tomb  : 
Youth  and  vigor  soon  will  flee, 

Blooming  beauty  lose  its  charm  ; 
All  that's  mortal  soon  shall  be 

Enclosed  in  death's  cold  arms. 

Time  is  winging  us  away 

To  our  eternal  home  ; 
Life  is  but  a  winter's  day, 

A  journey  to  the  tomb  : 

165 


HYMNS    FOE    PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

But  the  Christian  shall  enjoy 
Health  arid  beauty  soon  above, 

Where  no  worldly  griefs  annoy, 
Secure  in  Jesus'  love. 


44.  L.  M. 

The    Same. 

Great  God,  we  sing  that  mighty  hand, 
By  which,  supported  still,  we  stand  : 
The  opening  year  thy  mercy  shows  ; 
Let  mercy  crown  it  till  it  close. 

By  day,  by  night,  at  home,  abroad, 
Still  we  are  guarded  by  our  God  ; 
By  his  incessant  bounty  fed, 
By  his  unerring  counsel  led. 

In  scenes  exalted  or  depressed, 
Be  thou  our  joy,  and  thou  our  rest  ; 
Thy  goodness  all  our  hopes  shall  raise, 
Adored  through  all  our  changing  days 
166 


HY1IXS   FOE   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

45.  10.5.12. 

The  Xew  Year. 

Come  let  us  anew  our  journey  pursue, 

Roll  rouud  with  the  year 
And  never  stand  still  till  the  Master  appear. 

His  adorable  will  let  us  gladly  fulfill, 
And  our  talents  improve, 
By  the  patience  of  hope  and  the  labor  of  love. 

Our  life  as  a  dream,  our  time  as  a  stream, 

Glides  swiftly  away, 
And  the  fugitive  moment  refuses  to  stay  ; 

The  arrow  is  flown,  the  moment  is  gone  ; 
The  millennial  year 
Rushes  on  to  our  view,  and  eternity's  here. 

Oh  that  each  in  the  day  of  his  coming  may  say, 

"  I  have  fought  my  way  through, 
I  have  finished  the  work  thou  didst  give  me  to  do  !" 
Oh  that  each  from  his  Lord  may  receive  the  glad 
word, 
"  Well  and  faithfully  done  ! 
Enter  into  my  joy,  and  sit  down  on  my  throne." 

167 


HYMNS    FOR   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

46.  C.  M. 

New  Year. 

Behold  !  another  year  begins 

Its  little  round  to-day  ; 
Be  it  a  year  of  grief  or  joy, 

It  soon  will  pass  away. 

Now  let  us  heed  the  solemn  voice 

Of  years  already  past, 
And  then  our  souls  shall  have  no  fear, 

Though  this  should  be  our  last. 


47.  L.  M. 

Death  of  Children. 

Sure,  to  the  mansions  of  the  blest 
When  infant  innocence  ascends, 

Some  angel  brighter  than  the  rest 
The  spotless  spirit's  flight  attends. 
168 


J.  Q.  Adams. 


HYMNS    FOR    PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

On  wings  of  ecstasy  they  rise, 
Beyond  where  worlds  material  roll, 

Till  some  fair  sister  of  the  skies 
Receives  the  unpolluted  soul. 


There,  at  the  Almighty  Father's  hand, 
Nearest  the  throne  of  living  light, 

The  choirs  of  infant  seraphs  stand 

And  dazzling  shine,  where  all  are  bright. 


For  when  the  Lord  of  mortal  breath 
Decrees  his  bounty  to  resume, 

And  points  the  silent  shaft  of  death, 
Which  speeds  an  infant  to  the  tomb, — 


No  passion  fierce,  no  low  desire, 

Has  quenched  the  radiance  of  the  flame; 

Back  to  its  God  the  living  fire 
Returns  unsullied,  as  it  came. 


169 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

48.  L.  M. 

Death  of  an  Infant. 

As  the  sweet  flower  that  scents  the  morn, 

But  withers  in  the  rising  day, 

Thus  lovely  was  this  infant's  dawn, 

Thus  swiftly  fled  its  life  away, 

It  died  ere  its  expanding  soul 

Had  ever  burnt  with  wrong  desires, 

Had  ever  spurned  at  Heaven's  control, 
Or  ever  quenched  its  sacred  fires. 

It  died  to  sin,  it  died  to  cares, 
But  for  a  moment  felt  the  rod  : 

0  Mourner  !  such,  the  Lord  declares, 
Such  are  the  children  of  our  God  ! 


AQ  S     M  Montgomery. 

Kest. 

Oh,  where  shall  rest  be  found, — 

Kest  for  the  weary  soul  ? 
'Twere  vain  the  ocean  depths  to  sound, 
Or  pierce  to  either  pole. 
170 


HYMX3    FOE    PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

The  world  can  never  give 
The  bliss  for  which  we  sigh  ; 

'Tis  not  the  whole  of  life  to  live, 
Xor  all  of  death  to  die. 

Beyond  this  vale  of  tears, 

There  is  a  life  above, 
Unmeasured  by  the  flight  of  years 

And  all  that  life  is  love. 


50.  S.  M. 

Frailty  of  Life. 

Just  like  an  early  rose, 

I've  seen  an  infant  bloom  ; 
But  death,  perhaps,  before  it  blows, 

Will  lay  it  in  the  tomb. 

To  God,  who  made  them  all, 

Let  children  humbly  cry  ; 
And  then,  whenever  dfath  may  call, 

They'll  be  prepared  to  die. 

171 


HYMNS    FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

51.  L.  M. 

Happy  Death. 

Long  let  the  breathing  music  float 
That  soothes  the  dying  child  to  rest, 

And  gently  swell  each  rising  note 
That  wafts  it  to  the  Saviour's  breast. 

Oh,  when  the  youthful  Christian  dies, 
How  soft  the  strains  that  angels  raise  ! 

At  rest  on  their  bright  wings  he  lies, 
And  learns  their  thrilling  notes  of  praise. 

Sweet  is  his  Saviour's  welcome  there, 
And  sweet  the  voice  that  bids  him  rest : 

Oh,  let  me  live  a  life  so  fair  ! 
Oh,  let  me  die  a  death  so  blest ! 


52.  L.  M. 

Death  of  a  Pastor  or  Teacher. 

The  voice  is  hushed,  the  gentle  voice, 
That  told  us  of  a  Saviour's  love, 

And  made  our  youthful  hearts  rejoice 
In  hope  of  heaven,  our  home  above. 
172 


HYMNS    FOR   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

The  eye  is  dim,  the  loving  eye, 

That  beamed  so  fondly  on  us  here  ; 

Sealed  np  in  death,  the  anxious  sigh 
No  more  bedews  it  with  a  tear  ! 

But  in  the  land  beyond  the  grave 

That  voice  will  swell  in  rapturous  tone, 

The  song  to  Him  who  died  to  save, 
And  bring  the  weary  traveller  home. 


53.  S.  M. 

Dismission. 

Thy  name,  Almighty  Lord, 

Shall  sound  through  distant  lands  ; 

Great  is  thy  grace,  and  sure  thy  word  ; 
Thy  truth  forever  stands. 

Far  be  thine  honor  spread, 

And  long  thy  praise  endure, 
Till  morning  light  and  evening  shade 

Shall  be  exchanged  no  more. 

173 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC    WOESIIIP. 
g  A  o      >T  BiCKnnsTETH 

Closing  Hymn. 

Israel's  Shepherd,  guide  me,  feed  me, 
Through  my  pilgrimage  below, 

And  beside  the  waters  lead  me, 
Where  thy  flock  rejoicing  go. 

Lord,  thy  guardian  presence  ever, 

Meekly  kneeling,  I  implore  ; 
I  have  found  thee,  and  would  never, 

Never  wander  from  thee  more. 


55.  7.  8. 

Hymn  of  Dismission. 

Lord,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing, 
Hope  and  comfort  from  above  ; 

Let  us  each,  thy  peace  possessing, 
Triumph  in  redeeming  love. 
174 


HYMNS   FOR   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

Thanks  we  give,  and  adoration, 
For  thy  Gospel's  joyful  sound  ; 

May  the  fruits  of  thy  salvation 
In  our  hearts  and  lives  abound. 


56.  L.  M. 

The  Same. 

Again  we've  seen  the  Sabbath  day, 
And  heard  of  Jesus  and  of  heaven  ; 

We  thank  thee,  Father,  and  we  pray 
That  this  day's  sins  may  be  forgiven. 

May  all  we  heard  and  understood 

Be  well  remembered  through  the  week, 

And  help  to  make  us  wise  and  good, 
More  humble,  diligent,  and  meek. 


175 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC   WOESnlP. 

57.  0.  M. 

Farewell. 

How  pleasant  'tis  to  dwell  below 

In  fellowship  of  love, 
And  though  we  part,  'tis  bliss  to  know 

The  good  shall  meet  above. 

The  children  who  have  loved  the  Lord 
Shall  hail  their  teachers  there  ; 

And  teachers  gain  the  rich  reward 
Of  all  their  toil  and  care. 


58.  L.  M. 

D0X0L0GY. 

From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies, 
Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise  ; 
Let  the  Redeemer's  name  be  sung, 
Through  every  land,  by  every  tongue. 
176 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

Eternal  are  thy  mercies,  Lord  ; 
Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word  ; 
Thy  praise  shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 
Till  suns  shall  rise  and  set  no  more. 


59.  8. 7. 

DoXOLOGY. 

Praise  to  thee,  thou  great  Creator  ; 

Praise  to  thee  from  every  tongue  ; 
Join,  my  soul,  with  every  creature, 

Join  the  universal  song. 

For  ten  thousand  blessings  given, 

For  the  hope  of  future  joy, 
Sound  his  praise  through  earth  and  heaven, 

Sound  Jehovah's  praise  on  high. 


177 


HYMNS   FOE   PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

60,  7. 

DOXOLOGY. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high — 
God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky  ; 
Peace  on  earth  to  man  forgiven — 
Man,  the  well  beloved  of  heaven. 

Favored  mortals,  raise  the  song  ; 
Endless  thanks  to  God  belong  ; 
Hearts,  o'erflowing  with  his  praise, 
Join  the  hymns  your  voices  raise. 


178 


HYMNS  FOR  THE  HOME. 


81.  C.  M. 

The  Parent's  Plea. 

Thou  who  a  tender  parent  art, 
Eegard  a  parent's  plea  ; 

My  offspring,  with  an  anxious  heart, 
I  now  commend  to  thee. 

My  children  are  my  greatest  care, 
A  charge  which  thou  hast  given  ; 

In  all  thy  graces  let  them  share, 
And  all  the  joys  of  heaven. 

On  me  thou  hast  bestowed  thy  grace, 
Be  to  my  children  kind  ; 

Among  thy  saints  give  them  a  place, 
And  leave  not  one  behind. 


179 


HYMNS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

Happy,  we  then  shall  live  below, 
The  remnant  of  our  days  ; 

And  when  to  brighter  worlds  wo  go, 
Shall  long  resound  thy  praise. 


62.  7. 

A  Prayer  for  Parents. 

Lord,  assist  us  by  thy  grace 
To  instruct  our  infant  race  ; 
Grant  us  wisdom  from  above, 
Fill  us  with  a  Saviour's  love. 

May  we  teach  them  day  by  day, 
In  the  house  and  by  the  way  ; 
When  they  rise,  or  go  to  rest, 
Till  thy  truth  shall  make  them  blest 

While  in  childhood's  tender  age 
They  unfold  the  sacred  page, 
May  they  see  in  every  line 
Kindling  rays  of  light  divine. 
180 


HYMNS   FOR   THE   HOME. 

Heavenly  Father,  hear  our  prayer, 
We  commit  them  to  thy  oare  ; 
Be  their  shepherd  and  their  guide, 
Bring  them  to  thy  loving  side. 


63.  c.  M. 

Gentleness  in  the  Family. 

Speak  gently — it  is  better  far 
To  rule  by  love  than  fear; 

Speak  gently — let  no  harsh  word  mar 
The  good  that  we  do  here 

Speak  gently  to  the  young — for  they 
Will  have  enough  to  bear  ; 

Pass  thro'  this  life  as  best  they  may, 
'Tis  full  of  anxious  care. 

Speak  gently  to  the  aged  ones  ; 

Grieve  not  the  careworn  heart  ; 
The  sands  of  life  are  nearly  run  ; 

Let  them  in  peace  depart. 


181 


HYMNS    FOE   THE   HOME. 

Speak  gently  to  the  erring  ones  ; 

They've  toiled  all  day  in  vain  ; 
Perchance  unkindness  made  them  so  ; 

Oh,  win  them  back  again. 

Speak  gently — 'tis  a  little  thing 
Dropped  in  the  heart's  deep  well ; 

The  good,  the  joy  that  it  may  bring 
Eternity  shall  tell. 


64.  6.  5. 

Be  Kind  to  each  Other. 

Be  kind  to  each  other  ! 

The  night's  coming  on, 
When  friend  and  when  brother 

Perchance  may  be  gone  ; 
Then,  'midst  our  dejection, 

How  sweet  to  have  earned 
The  blest  recollection 

Of  kindness  returned  ! 
182 


Charles  Swain. 


HYMNS   FOR   THE   HOME. 

When  day  hath  departed, 

And  memory  keeps 
Her  watch,  broken-hearted, 

Where  all  she  loves  sleeps, 
Let  falsehood  assail  not, 

Nor  envy  reprove, — 
Let  trifles  prevail  not 

Against  those  ye  love  ! 

Nor  change  with  to-morrow, 

Should  fortune  take  wing, 
But  the  deeper  the  sorrow, 

The  closer  still  cling. 
Oh,  be  kind  to  each  other  ! 

The  night's  coming  on, 
When  friend  and  when  brother 

Perchance  may  be  gone. 


65.  11.  8. 

Family  Love. 

Be  kind  to  thy  Father — for  when  thou  wert  young, 
Who  loved  thee  more  fondly  than  he  ? 

He  caught  the  first  accents  that  fell  from  thy  tongue, 
And  joined  in  thy  innocent  glee. 

183 


HYMNS   FOR   THE   HOME. 

Be  kind  to  thy  Father — for  now  he  is  old, 

His  locks  intermingled  with  grey, 
His  footsteps  are  feeble — once  fearless  and  bold — 

Thy  father  is  passing  away. 

Be  kind  to  thy  Mother— for  lo  !  on  her  brow 

Many  traces  of  sorrow  are  seen  ; 
Oh!  well  may'st  thou  cherish  and  comfort  her  now, 

For  loving  and  kind  hath  she  been. 
Remember  thy  Mother — for  thee  will  she  pray 

As  long  as  God  giveth  her  breath  ; 
With  accents  of  kindness,  then,  cheer  her  lone  way, 

E'en  to  the  dark  valley  of  death. 

Be  kind  to  thy  Brother — his  heart  will  have  dearth, 

If  the  smile  of  thy  love  be  withdrawn ; 
The  flowers  of  feeling  will  fade  at  their  birth, 

If  the  dew  of  affection  be  gone. 
Be  kind  to  thy  Brother — wherever  you  are, 

The  love  of  a  brother  shall  be 
An  ornament  purer  and  richer  by  far 

Than  pearls  from  the  depths  of  the  sea. 

Be  kind  to  thy  Sister — not  many  may  know 

The  depth  of  true  sisterly  love, 
The  wealth  of  the  ocean  lies  fathoms  below 

The  surface  that  sparkles  above  : 

184 


IIYMNS   FOR   THE   HOME. 


Thy  kindness  shall  bring  to  thee  many  sweet  hours, 
And  blessings  thy  pathway  to  crown, 

Affection  shall  weave  thee  a  garland  of  flowers, 
More  precious  than  wealth  or  renown. 


g  g  TO  Charles  Swain. 

Let  us  Love  One  Another. 

Let  us  love  one  another  ;  not  long  may  we  stay 

In  this  bleak  world  of  mourning  ;  some  droop  while  't  is 

day. 
Others  fade  in  the  noon,  and  few  linger  till  eve  ; 
Oh,  there  breaks  not  a  heart  but  leaves  some  one  to 

grieve  ! 
The  fondest,  the  purest,  the  truest  that  met 
Have  still  found  the  need  to  forgive  and  forget ; 
Then,  oh,  though  the  hopes  that  we  nourished  decay, 
Let  us  love  one  another  as  long  as  we  stay  ! 

Then  let 's  love  one  another,  'niidst  sorrow  the  worst, 
Unaltered  and  fond  as  we  loved  at  the  first  ; 
Though  the  false  wing  of  pleasure  may  change  and 
forsake, 

185 


HYMNS    FOR   THE   HOME. 

And  the  bright  urn  of  wealth  into  particles  break, 
There  are  some  sweet  affections  that  wealth  cannot 

buy, 
That  cling  but  still  closer  when  sorrow  draws  nigh, 
And  remain  with  us  yet,  though  all  else  pass  away  ; 
Then  let's  love  one  another  as  long  as  we  stay  ! 


67.  0.  M. 

Return  home  from  Travel. 

The  bee  hath  its  domestic  cell, 
The  wandering  bird  its  nest, 

The  beast  its  lair  in  forest  dell, 
And  man  his  home  of  rest. 

And  tired  with  toil,  with  travel  tired, 
The  beast,  the  bird,  the  bee, 

By  common  impulse  all  inspired, 
Seek  home's  sweet  secrecy. 

Man  winged  for  farther,  bolder  flight, 

Privileged  o'er  earth  to  roam, 
Still  bends,  with  ever-new  delight, 
Towards  his  native  home, — 
186 


BOWEING. 


HYMNS   FOR    THE   HOME. 

Home,  made  more  sacred  made  more  dear, 
When  travels  far  have  taught 

How  much  about  the  heart,  how  near, 
Life's  early  chains  are  wrought. 

Those  chains  around  the  heart  remain, 

Through  every  absent  hour  ; 
And  naught  can  free  us  from  the  chain, 

But  home's  enchanting  power. 


68.  «        L.    M.  H.  Wars.  Jr. 

Thanksgiving  on  Family  Gathering. 

In  this  glad  hour,  when  children  meet, 
And  home  with  them  their  children  bring, 

Our  hearts  with  one  affection  beat, 
One  song  of  praise  our  voices  sing. 

For  all  the  faithful,  loved,  and  dear, 

Whom  thou  so  kindly,  Lord,  hast  given  ; 

For  those  who  still  are  with  us  here, 
And  those  who  wait  for  us  in  heaven  ; 

187 


HYMXS   FOE   THE   HOME. 

For  every  past  and  present  joy  ; 

For  honor,  competence,  and  health  ; 
For  hopes  that  time  may  not  destroy, 

Our  souls'  imperishable  wealth  ; — 

For  all  accept  our  humble  praise  ; 

Still  bless  us,  Father,  by  thy  love  ; 
And,  when  are  closed  our  mortal  days, 

Unite  us  in' one  home  above. 


ff  Q  T     -  "|V/f  Mrs.  Barbacld. 

The  Sacred  Tie. 

How  blest  the  sacred  tie  that  binds, 

In  union  sweet  according  minds  ! 

How  swift  the  heavenly  course  they  run, 

Whose  hearts,  whose  faith,  whose  hopes,  arc  one  ! 

To  each  the  soul  of  each  how  dear  I 
What  jealous  love,  what  holy  fear  ! 
How  doth  the  generous  flame  within 
Refine  from  earth,  and  cleanse  from  sin  ! 
188 


HYMNS    FOR   THE   HOME. 

Their  streaming  tears  together  flow 
For  human  guilt  and  mortal  woe  ; 
Their  ardent  prayers  together  rise, 
Like  mingling  flames  in  sacrifice. 

Together  both  they  seek  the  place 
Where  God  reveals  his  awful  face  ; 
How  high,  how  strong,  their  raptures  swell, 
There  's  none  but  kindred  souls  can  tell. 

Nor  shall  the  glowing  flame  expire, 
When  Nature  droops  her  sickening  fire  ; 
Then  shall  they  meet  in  realms  above, — 
A  heaven  of  joy,  because  of  love  ! 


/w«  *•     »•  Charles  Wkslet. 

On  taking  possession  of  a  new  Dwelling. 

Peace  be  to  this  habitation  ! 

Peace  to  every  soul  herein  ! 
Peace  the  earnest  of  salvation, 

Peace,  the  fruit  of  pardoned  sin  : 

189 


HYMNS   FOR   THE   HOME. 

Peace  tbat  speaks  its  heavenly  giver  ; 

Peace  to  earthly  minds  unknown  ; 
Peace  divine,  that  lasts  for  ever, 

Here  erect  its  glorious  throne  ! 

God  of  peace  !  be  ever  near  us, 

Fix  in  all  our  hearts  thy  home  ! 
With  thy  gracious  presence  cheer  us, 

Hither  let  thy  kingdom  come  ! 
Lift  to  heaven  our  expectation  ! 

Give  our  raptured  souls  to  prove 
Glorious  and  complete  salvation, 

Holy,  everlasting  love  1 


71.  0.  M. 

A  Family  Prayer. 


H.  K.  Whitb. 


Oh  Lord  !  another  day  is  flown, 

And  we,  a  lonely  band, 
Are  met  once  more  before  thy  throne 

To  bless  thy  fostering  hand. 


190 


HYMNS   FOE   THE   HOME. 

And  wilt  thou  lend  a  listening  ear 

To  praises  low  as  ours  ? 
Thou  wilt  ;  for  thou  dost  love  to  hear 

The  song  which  meekness  pours. 

Through  Jesus  thou  a  smile  wilt  deign 

As  we  before  thee  pray  ; 
For  he  did  bless  the  infant  train, 

And  we  are  less  than  they. 

Oh  !  let  thy  grace  perform  its  part, 

And  let  contention  cease  ; 
And  shed  abroad  in  every  heart 

Thine  everlasting  peace. 


72.  8.  4. 

Home  Worship. 

Now  rises  from  around  the  fire 

A  pleasant  strain  ; 
Ye  giddy  sons  of  mirth,  retire, 

And  ye  profane  1 
A  hymn  to  the  Eternal  Sire 

Goes  up  again. 


R  Hoyt. 


191 


HYMNS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

The  patriarchal  Book  divine, 

Upon  the  knee, 
Opes  where  the  gems  of  Judah  shine, 

(Sweet  miustrelsie  !) 
How  soars  each  heart  with  each  fair  line, 

0  God,  to  Thee  ! 

Around  the  altar  low  they  bend, 

Devout  in  prayer  ; 
As  snows  upon  the  roof  descend, 

So  angels  there 
Guard  o'er  that  household,  to  defend 

With  gentle  care. 


73.  6.  8. 

Home   Joys. 

Sweet  are  the  joys  of  home, 
And  pure  as  sweet ;  for  they 

Like  dews  of  morn  and  evening  como 
To  wake  and  close  the  day 
192 


BOWHINQ 


o 


HY3IXS   FOR   THE   HOME. 

The  world  hath  its  delights, 

And  its  delusions  too  ; 
But  home  to  calmer  bliss  invites, 

More  tranquil  and  more  true. 

The  mountain  flood  is  strong, 

But  fearful  in  its  pride  ; 
While  gently  rolls  the  stream  along 

The  peaceful  valley's  side. 

Life's  charities,  like  light, 

Spread  smilingly  afar  ; 
But  stars,  approached,  become  more  bright, 

And  home  is  life's  own  star. 

The  pilgrim's  step  in  vain 

Seeks  Eden's  sacred  ground  ; 
But  in  home's  holy  joys  again 

An  Eden  may  be  found. 

A  glance  of  heaven  to  see 

To  none  on  earth  is  given  ; 
And  yet  a  happy  family 

Is  but  an  earlier  heaven. 

9  193 


HYMNS   FOE   THE   HOSLE. 

74.  L.  M. 

Home  Sorrows. 

There  is  no  spot,  or  high  or  low, 
Which  darkness  visits  not  at  times  ; 

No  shelter  from  the  reach  of  woe, 
In  farthest  lands  or  fairest  climes. 

The  tempests  shake  the  stoutest  tree, 
And  every  floweret  droops  in  turn  : 

To  mourn  is  nature's  destiny, 

And  all  that  live  must  live  to  mourn 

No  home  so  happy,  but  that  pain, 

And  grief,  and  care,  the  doors  will  press, 

When  love's  most  anxious  thoughts  are  vain, 
More  anxious  from  their  helplessness. 

And  yet,  if  aught  can  soften  grief, 
'Tis  home's  sweet  influence  ; — if  there  be 

Relief  from  sorrow,  that  relief 
Springs  from  domestic  sympathy. 

The  home  that  virtue  hallows  flings 
Another  bliss  o'er  blessedness  ; 

And  e'en  to  sorrow's  children  brings, 
Or  peace  to  calm,  or  hope  to  bless. 
194 


BoWBINg. 


HYAISS    FOR   THE    HOME. 


75.  C.  M. 


0  Lord,  my  best  desires  fulfill, 

And  help  me  to  resign 
Life,  health,  and  comfort  to  thy  will, 

And  make  thy  pleasure  mine. 

Why  should  I  shrink  at  thy  command, 

Whose  love  forbids  my  fears  ? 
Or  tremble  at  thy  gracious  hand, 

That  wipes  away  my  tears  ? 

No  1  let  me  rather  freely  yield 

What  most  I  prize  to  thee, 
Who  never  hast  a  good  withheld, 

Nor  wilt  withhold,  from  me. 

But,  ah  1  my  inward  spirit  cries, 

Still  bind  me  to  thy  sway  ; 
Else  the  next  cloud  that  veils  my  skies 

Drives  all  these  thoughts  away. 

195 


HYMNS   FOR   THE   HOME. 
76.  D.     C.     M.  Bp.HEBBk 

In  Domestic  Affliction. 

Oh  God,  that  rnadest  earth  and  sky  ! 

The  darkness  and  the  day  ! 
Give  ear  to  this  thy  family, 

And  help  us  when  we  pray  ? 
For  wide  the  waves  of  bitterness 

Around  our  vessel  roar, 
And  heavy  grows  the  pilot's  heart 

To  view  the  rocky  shore  ! 

The  cross  our  Master  bore  for  us, 

For  him  we  fain  would  bear, 
But  mortal  strength  to  weakness  turns, 

And  courage  to  despair  ! 
Then  mercy  on  our  failings,  Lord  ! 

Our  sinking  faith  renew  ! 
And  when  our  sorrows  visit  us, 

Oh  1  send  us  patience  too. 


196 


HYMNS    FOR    THE   HOME. 

77.  S.  M. 

To  a  Dying  Ixfaxt. 

Sleep,  little  baby  !  sleep  I 
Not  in  the  cradle  bed, 
Not  on  thy  mother's  breast 
Henceforth  shall  be  thy  rest, 
Bnt  with  the  quiet  dead. 

I've  seen  thee  in  thy  beauty, 

A  thing  all  health  and  glee, 

But  never  then  wert  thou 

So  beautiful  as  now, 

Darling  !  thou  seem'st  to  me. 

Mount  up,  immortal  essence  ! 

Young  spirit,  haste,  depart ! 
And  is  this  death  ?  Dread  thing  ! 
If  such  thy  visiting, 

How  beautiful  thou  art  ! 

Oh,  I  could  gaze  forever 

Upon  that  waxen  face  ! 
So  passionless — so  pure — 
The  little  shrine  was  sure 

An  angel's  dwelling-place. 


Mrs.  Southev, 


19V 


IIYMNS    FOE   THE   HOME. 

God  took  thee  in  his  mercy, 
A  lamb  untasked,  untried  ; 

Unfought  the  fight  by  thee, 

But  won  the  victory, 

And  thou  art  sanctified  ! 

I  look  around  and  see 

The  evil  ways  of  men  ; 

And,  0  beloved  child  ! 

I'm  more  than  reconciled 
To  thy  departure  then. 

Now,  like  a  dewdrop  shrined 
Within  a  crystal  stone, 
Thou'rt  safe  in  heaven,  my  dove- 
Safe  with  the  Source  of  love, 
The  Everlasting  One. 


78.  P.  M. 

Death  of  an  Infant. 


E.  Flago. 


Well,  rest  thee,  bright  one  ;  we  may  not  deplore  thee  ; 

Death  hath  no  terrors  for  such  as  thou. 
From  ills  to  come,  from  anguished  years — ah  !  freely 

We  yield  thee  to  thy  God  who  calleth  now. 

198 


HYMXS   FOR    THE  HOME. 

We  would  not  that  bright  brow  were  marked  with 
furrows, 

Which  Time's  dread  finger  sure  had  graven  there  ; 
We  would  not  that  pure  lip  had  writhed  with  sorrows, 

Which  all  earth's  tenants  soon  or  late  must  share. 

Aye,  rest  thee  !  yet  thy  mother's  heart  is  bleeding, 
To  think  that  form  so  chill  and  pulseless  now  ; 

That  rich  dark  eye  its  purple  lid  is  veiling, 
And  the  bright  curls  are  still  upon  thy  brow. 

Oft  has  she  gazed  on  thee  in  thy  proud  beauty, 
Buoyant  and  gladsome  in  thy  childish  glee, 

But  ne'er  before  that  face  was  deemed  so  lovely, 
As  in  its  death-sleep  it  hath  seemed  to  be. 

And  yet  rest  on  : — the  balmy  winds  are  breathing 
A  fragrant  requiem  o'er  thy  peaceful  bed, 

And  summer  flowers,  thy  humble  tombstone  wreathh    , 
Their  hallowed  incense  o'er  thy  slumbers  shed, 

From  the  far  heaven  the  angel-stars  are  beaming 

In  holy  beauty  on  thy  lowly  rest, 
And  clustering  ivy-leaves  are  richly  streaming 

With  graceful  tendrils  o'er  the  sleeper's  breast. 

199 


HYMNS   FOR  THE   HOME. 

Sleep  on — sleep  on  !     Ah,  it  were  vain  deploring, 
For  thou  art  gone  where  dwelleth  naught  of  woe  ; 

In  that  bright  realm  thy  pure  young  soul  is  soaring, 
All  scenes  of  sorrow  fading  far  below. 

Then  fare  thee  well  ; — no  more  thy  mother's  bosom 
Shall  lull  those  blue-veined  eyelids  to  their  sleep  ; 

Dust  unto  dust ! — we  may  not  slight  the  summons — 
We  give  thee  back  to  earth — but  we  must  weep. 


79  7.  6. 

Parents'   Farewell  to  a  Child. 

Farewell,  our  blighted  treasure  ! 

Farewell,  and  rest  in  peace  1 
Thou  cam'st  with  hope  and  pleasure  ; — 

How  soon  on  earth  they  cease  ! 

The  cold  earth  may  be  on  thee, 

The  green  turf  o'er  thee  spread  ; 
Yet  God's  eye  is  upon  thee, 
In  thy  last  narrow  bed. 
200 


HYMN0    FOR   THE   HOME. 

Oh!  'tis  the  pang  severest 
That  mortal  hearts  can  know, 

To  lay  what  they  held  dearest, 
Thus — thus — the  dust  below  ! 

Resigned,  not  broken-hearted, 
We  leave  thy  little  grave  : 

We  love  thee  more  departed, 
And  heaven  is  strong  to  save. 


80.  L.      M.  MrS.LOWBIX. 

Death  of  Children. 

They  in  the  valley's  sheltering  care 
Soon  crop  the  meadow's  tender  prime, 

And  when  the  sod  grows  brown  and  bare 

The  Shepherd  strives  to  make  them  climb. — 

To  airy  shelves  of  pasture  green 
That  hang  along  the  mountain  side, 

"Where  grass  and  flowers  together  lean 

And  down  through  mists  the  sunbeams  slide. 
9*  201 


HYMNS   FOK   THE   HOME. 

And  seared  below  the  pastures  lie — 
Yet  naught  can  tempt  the  timid  things 

The  steep  and  rugged  path  to  try, 

Though  sweet  the  Shepherd  calls  and  sings  ; 

Till  in  his  arms  their  lambs  he  takes 

Along  the  dizzy  verge  to  go, 
Then  heedless  of  the  rifts  and  breaks 

They  follow  on  o'er  rock  and  snow. 

And  in  those  pastures  lifted  fair, 
More  dewy  soft  than  lowland  mead, 

The  Shepherd  drops  his  tender  care 
And  Sheep  and  Lambs  together  feed  ! 


202 


HYMNS  FOR  PRIVATE  DEVOTIONS. 


81.  L.  M. 

God  hears  Prayer. 

God  is  so  good  that  lie  will  hear 
Whenever  children  humbly  pray  ; 

He  always  lends  a  gracious  ear 

To  what  the  youngest  child  can  say. 

His  own  most  holy  book  declares, 

That,  as  a  tender  father  will, 
He  listens  to  our  lowly  prayers, 

And  what  we  ask  will  grant  us  still. 

He  loves  to  hear  a  grateful  tongue 
Thank  him  for  all  his  mercies  given  ; 

And  when  on  earth  his  praise  is  sung, 
The  cheerful  notes  are  heard  in  heaven. 

203 


HYMNS   FOK   TOIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

82.  C.  M. 

Sincere  Prayer. 

v  When  daily  I  kneel  down  to  pray 
As  I  am  taught  to  do, 
God  will  not  answer  what  I  say, 
Unless  I  feel  it  too. 

Some  idle  play,  or  childish  toy, 
Can  send  my  thoughts  abroad  ; 

Though  it  should  be  my  greatest  joy 
To  love  and  seek  the  Lord. 

Oh,  let  me  never,  never  dare 

To  act  the  trifler's  part, 
Or  think  that  God  will  hear  a  prayer 

Which  comes  not  from  the  heart. 

But  if  I  make  his  ways  my  choice, 

As  holy  children  do, 
Then  while  I  seek  him  with  my  voice, 
My  heart  will  love  him  too. 
204 


HYMNS   FOR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

83.  7. 

Prayer  for  Grace. 

Father,  let  a  little  child 

Humbly  supplicate  thy  throne  ; 

Speak  to  me  in  accents  mild, 
0  thou  great  and  holy  One  ! 

Fill  my  youthful  heart  with  grace, 
Make  it  thy  beloved  abode  ; 

Show  thy  reconciling  face, 
0  my  Father  and  my  God  ! 

May  I  early  learn  thy  ways, 

Early  know  thy  power  and  love  ; 

Then  devote  to  thee  my  days, 
Till  I  am  removed  above. 


84.  C.  M. 

A  Child's  Petition. 

f  Lord,  teach  a  little  child  to  pray, 
And  oh,  accept  my  prayer  ! 
Thou  canst  hear  all  the  words  I  say, 
For  thou  art  everywhere. 

205 


HYMNS   FOR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

A  little  sparrow  cannot  fall 
Unnoticed,  Lord,  by  thee  ; 

And  though  I  am  so  young  and  small, 
Thou  dost  take  care  of  me. 

Teach  me  to  do  whate'er  is  right, 

And  when  I  sin,  forgive  ; 
And  make  it  still  my  chief  delight 

To  love  thee  while  I  live. 


85.  S.  M. 

Seeking  Divine  Aid. 

With  humble  heart  and  tongue, 
My  God,  to  thee  I  pray  ; 

Oh,  make  me  learn,  while  I  am  young. 
How  I  may  cleanse  my  way. 

Now  in  my  early  days, 

Teach  me  thy  will  to  know  ; 
0  God,  thy  sanctifying  grace 
Betimes  on  me  bestow. 
200 


HYMNS   FOE   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

Make  me,  a  helpless  youth, 
The  object  of  thy  care  ; 

Help  me  to  choose  the  way  of  truth, 
And  flee  from  every  snare. 

My  heart,  to  folly  prone, 
Renew  by  power  divine  ; 

Unite  it  to  thyself  alone, 
And  make  me  wholly  thine. 


86.  C  M. 

Prayer  in  view  of  God's  Goodness. 

Lord,  I  would  own  thy  tender  care, 

And  all  thy  love  to  me  ; 
The  food  I  eat,  the  clothes  I  wear, 

Are  all  bestowed  by  thee. 

'Tis  thou  preservest  me  from  death 
And  dangers  every  hour  : 

I  cannot  draw  another  breath, 
Unless  thou  giv'st  the  power. 


207 


HYMNS   FOE   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

My  health,  and  friends,  and  parents  dear, 

To  me  by  God  are  given  ; 
I  have  not  any  blessings  here, 

But  what  are  sent  from  heaven. 

Such  goodness,  Lord,  and  constant  care, 

A  child  can  ne'er  repay  ; 
But  may  it  be  my  daily  prayer 

To  love  thee  and  obey. 


O  /.  -L'-    -M-.  Christian  Psalms. 

Prayer  for  Wisdom. 

I  ask  not  wealth,  nor  pomp,  nor  power, 
Nor  fleeting  pleasures  of  an  hour  : 
My  soul  aspires  to  nobler  things 
Than  all  the  pride  and  state  of  kings. 

One  thing  I  ask — Lord  !  wilt  thou  hear, 
And  grant  my  soul  a  gift  so  dear  ? 
Wisdom,  descending  from  above, 
The  sweetest  token  of  thy  love. 
208 


HYMNS    FOR    PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

Wisdom,  betimes  to  know  the  Lord, 
To  fear  bis  name,  and  keep  bis  word  ; 
To  lead  my  feet  in  patbs  of  truth, 
And  guide  and  guard  my  wandering  yout1  . 

Then,  shouldst  thou  grant  a  length  of  days, 
My  life  shall  still  proclaim  thy  praise  ; 
Or  early  death  my  soul  convey 
To  realms  of  everlasting  day. 


88.  C.  M. 

Praying  for  Truthfulness. 

Oh  Father  !  bless  a  little  child, 
And  in  my  early  youth 

Give  me  a  spirit  good  and  mild, 
A  soul  to  love  the  Truth. 

May  never  falsehood  in  my  heart 
Nor  in  my  words  abide  ; 

But  may  I  act  a  truthful  part, 
Whatever  may  betide. 


209 


HYMNS   FOR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

89.  S.  M. 

The  World  Beyond. 

There  is,  beyond  the  sky, 
A  world  of  joy  and  love  ; 

And  holy  children,  when  they  die, 
Go  to  that  world  above. 


90. 


Little  Things. 

Little  drops  of  water, 
Little  grains  of  sand, 

Make  the  mighty  ocean 
And  the  beauteous  land. 

And  the  little  moments, 
Humble  though  they  be, 

Make  the  mighty  ages 
Of  eternity. 


210 


HYMNS   FOR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

So  our  little  errors 
Lead  the  soul  away 

From  the  path  of  virtue, 
Oft  iu  siu  to  stray. 

Little  deeds  of  kindness, 
Little  words  of  love, 

Make  our  earth  aa  Eden 
Like  the  heaven  above. 

Little  seeds  of  mercy, 
Sown  by  youthful  hands, 

Grow  to  bless  the  nations 
Far  in  heathen  lands. 


91.  7.  6. 

Angels  ever  Bright  and  Fair. 

Angels  ever  bright  and  fair, 
Take,  oh,  take  me  to  your  care  1 
Speed  to  your  own  courts  my  flight, 
Clad  in  robes  of  virgin  white. 
Angels  ever  bright  and  fair, 
Take,  oh  take  me  to  your  care  ! 

211 


HYMNS   FOB   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

92.  0.  M. 

Morning   Prayer. 

Lord  of  my  life  !  oh,  may  tby  praise 

Employ  my  noblest  powers, 
Whose  goodness  lengthens  out  my  days, 

And  fills  the  circling  hours. 

Preserved  by  thine  almighty  arm, 
I  passed  the  shades  of  night, 

Secure  and  safe  from  every  harm, 
And  see  returning  light. 

While  many  spent  the  night  in  sighs, 
And  restless  pains  and  woes, 

In  gentle  sleep,  I  closed  my  eyes, 
In  undisturbed  repose. 

When  sleep,  death's  image,  o'er  me  spread, 

And  I  unconscious  lay, 
Thy  watchful  care  was  round  mj  bed, 

To  guard  my  feeble  clay. 
212 


HYMNS   FOR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

Oh  !  let  the  same  almighty  care 

My  waking  hours  attend  ; 
From  every  danger,  every  snare, 

My  heedless  steps  (Mend. 

Smile  on  my  minutes  as  they  roll, 
And  guide  my  future  days  ; 

And  let  thy  goodness  fill  my  soul 
With  gratitude  and  praise. 


**  w.  O.    I  .  Christian  Psalms. 

Prayer  for  Sunday  Morning. 

Welcome,  welcome,  quiet  morning, 

Welcome  is  this  holy  day  ; 
Now  the  Sabbath  morn  returning, 

Says  a  week  has  passed  away. 

Let  me  think  how  time  is  passing  ; 

Soon  the  longest  life  departs  I 
Nothing  human  is  abiding, 

Save  the  love  of  humble  hearts. 

213 


HYMNS    FOR   TRIYATE   DEVOTIONS. 

Father,  now  one  prayer,  I  raise  thee, 
Give  an  humble,  grateful  heart ; 

Never  let  me  cease  to  praise  thee, 
Never  from  thy  fear  depart. 

Then,  when  years  are  gathered  o'er  me, 
And  the  world  is  sunk  in  shade, 

Heaven's  bright  realm  will  rise  before  me  ; 
There  my  treasure  will  be  laid. 


94.  L.  M. 

Morning  Hymn. 

Awake,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun 
Thy  daily  stage  of  duty  run  ; 
Shake  off  dull  sloth,  and  joyful  rise 
To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

Thy  precious  time  misspent  redeem  ; 
Each  present  day  thy  last  esteem  ; 
Improve  thy  talent  with  due  care  ; 
For  the  great  day  thyself  prepare 
214 


Bp.  Ken, 


HYMNS    FOE   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

In  conversation  be  sincere  ; 
Keep  conscience,  as  the  noontide,  clear  ; 
Think  how  the  all-seeing  God  thy  ways 
And  all  thy  secret  thoughts  surveys. 

Lord,  I  my  vows  to  thee  renew  ; 
Scatter  my  sins  like  morning  dew  ; 
Guard  my  first  springs  of  thought  and  will, 
And  with  thyself  my  spirit  fill. 

Direct,  control,  suggest,  this  day, 

All  I  design,  or  do,  or  say  ; 

That  all  my  powers,  with  all  their  might, 

In  thy  sole  glory  may  unite. 


95.  L.  M. 

Evening    Prayer. 

Xow  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 
I  pray  the  Lord  my  soul  to  keep  ; 
If  I  should  die  before  I  wake, 
I  pray  the  Lord  my  soul  to  take. 

215 


HYMNS   FOE   PKIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

96.  L.  M. 

Evening    Prayer. 


COLERIDOE. 


Ere  on  my  bed  my  limbs  I  lay, 
God  grant  me  grace  my  prayers  to  say  : 
0  God  !  preserve  my  mother  dear 
In  strength  and  health  for  many  a  year  ; 
And  oh!  preserve  my  father  too, 
And  may  I  pay  him  reverence  due  ; 
And  may  I  my  best  thoughts  employ 
To  be  my  parents'  hope  and  joy  ; 
And  oh!  preserve  my  brothers  both 
From  evil  doings  and  from  sloth, 
And  may  we  always  love  each  other, 
Our  friends,  our  father,  and  our  mother  : 
And  still,  0  Lord,  to  me  impart 
An  innocent  and  grateful  heart, 
That  after  my  last  sleep  I  may 
Awake  to  thy  eternal  day  ! 

Amen. 


216 


HYMXS    FOE    PRIVATE    DEVOTIONS. 

97,  S.  M. 

Evening  Reflection. 

The  sun  hath  gone  to  rest  ; 

The  bee  forsakes  the  flower  ; 
The  young  bird  slumbers  on  its  nest, 

Within  the  leafy  bower. 

Where  have  I  been  this  day  ? 

Into  what  folly  run  ? 
Forgive  me,  Father,  when  I  pray 

Through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son. 

When  all  my  days  are  o'er, 

And  in  the  grave  I  rest, 
Wilt  thou  permit  my  soul  to  fly 

To  my  Redeemer's  breast  ? 


98.  L.  M. 

Evening  Hymn. 

Glory  to  thee,  my  God,  this  night, 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light  ; 
Keep  me,  oh,  keep  me,  King  of  kings, 
Beneath  thine  own  almighty  wings  ! 

10  217 


HYMNS   FOE   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

Forgive  me,  Lord,  through  thy  dear  Son, 
The  ills  which  I  this  day  have  done  ; 
And  with  the  world,  myself,  and  thee, 
May  I  at  peace  forever  be. 

Teach  me  to  live  that  I  may  dread 
The  grave  as  little  as  my  bed  : 
Teach  me  to  die  that  so  I  may 
With  joy  behold  the  judgment  day. 

Oh,  be  my  guardian  while  I  sleep, 
Thy  watchful  station  near  me  keep  1 
And  when  the  sun  again  doth  shine, 
Oh,  fill  my  soul  with  light  divine. 


99.  c.  M. 

Last  Thoughts  for  Evening. 

I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep  ; 

Let  angels  guard  my  head, 
And  through  the  hours  of  darkness  keep 

Their  watch  around  my  bed. 
218 


HYMNS    FOR    PfilVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

With  cheerful  heart  I  close  my  eyes, 
Since  thou  wilt  not  remove  ; 

And  in  the  morning  let  me  rise 
Kejoicing  in  thy  love. 


100.  C.  M. 

Fleeting    Time. 

How  long,  sometimes,  a  day  appears 
And  weeks,  how  long  are  they  ! 

Months  move  as  slow,  as  if  the  years 
Would  never  pass  away. 

But  even  years  are  passing  by, 
And  soon  must  all  be  gone  ; 

For  day  by  day,  as  minutes  fly, 
Eternity  comes  on. 


Days,  months,  and  years  must  have  an  end, 

Eternity  has  none  ; 
'Twill  always  have  as  long  to  spend 


Tatlob. 


As  when  it  first  begun. 


219 


HYMNS    FOR    PRIVATE    DEVOTIONS. 

Great  God  !  an  infant  cannot  tell 

How  such  a  thing  can  be, 
I  only  pray  that  I  may  dwell 

That  long,  long  time,  with  thee. 


•  •• 


101.  11. 

The  Sabbath. 

How  sweet  is  the  Sabbath,  the  morning  of  rest  ; 
The  day  of  the  week  which  I  surely  love  best  ; 
The  morning  my  Saviour  arose  from  the  tomb, 
And  took  from  the  grave  all  its  terror  and  gloom  ! 

Oh,  let  me  be  thoughtful  and  prayerful  to-day, 
And  not  spend  a  minute  in  trifling  or  play, 
Remembering  these  seasons  were  graciously  given 
To  teach  me  to  seek,  and  prepare  me  for  heaven. 

In  the  house  of  my  God,  in  his  presence  and  fear, 
When  I  worship  to-day,  may  it  all  be  sincere  ; 
In  the  school  when  I  learn,  may  I  do  it  with  care, 
And  be  grateful  to  those  who  watch  over  me  there. 
220 


HYMNS    FOR    PRIVATE    DEVOTIONS. 

Instruct  me,  my  Saviour  ;  a  child  though  I  be, 
I  am  not  too  young  to  be  noticed  by  thee  ; 
Renew  all  my  heart,  keep  me  firm  in  thy  ways, 
I  would  love  thee,  and  serve  thee,  and  give  thee  the 
praise. 


102.  L.  M. 

Come  Away. 

0  come,  come  away  !  the  Sabbath  morn  is  passing, 
Let's  hasten  to  the  Sabbath-school, 

0  come,  come  away  ! 
The  Sabbath  bells  are  ringing  clear, 
Their  joyous  peals  salute  my  ear, 

1  love  their  voice  to  hear, 

0  come,  come  away  ! 

My  comrades  invite  to  join  their  happy  number, 
And  gladly  will  I  meet  them  there, 

0  come,  come  away  ! 
^Tis  there  we  meet  to  sing  and  pray, 
To  read  God's  word  on  this  glad  day, 
Then  joyful  haste  away, 

0  come,  come  away. 

221 


HYMNS   FOR    PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

'Tis  there  I  may  learn  the  ways  of  heavenly  wisdom, 
To  guide  my  steps  to  joys  on  high, 

0  come,  come  away  ! 
The  flowery  paths  of  peace  to  tread, 
Where  rays  of  heavenly  bliss  are  shed, 
My  wandering  steps  to  lead, 

0  come,  come  away  I 

I  there  hear  the  voice  in  heavenly  accents  speaking, 
"  Let  little  children  come  to  me, 

0  come,  come  away  ! 
Forbid  them  not  their  hearts  to  give, 
Let  them  on  me  in  youth  believe, 
And  I  will  them  receive," — 

0  come,  come  away  ! 

With  joy  I  accept  the  gracious  invitation, 
My  heart  exults  with  rapturous  hope  ; 

0  come,  come  away  ! 
My  deathless  spirit,  when  I  die, 
Shall  on  the  wings  of  angels  fly 
To  mansions  in  the  sky, — 

0  come,  come  away  ! 


222 


HYMNS   FOR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

103.  7. 

Sunday  Evening. 

A  Sabbath  its  course  hath  run, 
And  still,  0  God,  thy  child  is  blest ; 

For  thou  hast  been  by  day  my  sun, 
And  thou  wilt  be  by  night  my  rest. 

Sweet  sleep  descends,  my  eyes  to  close  ; 

And  now,  when  all  the  world  is  still, 
I  give  my  body  to  repose, 

My  spirit  to  my  Father's  will. 


104.  7. 

Divine  Presence. 

They  who  seek  the  throne  of  grace 
Find  that  throne  in  every  place  ; 
If  we  love  a  life  of  prayer, 
God  is  present  everywhere. 

223 


HYMNS   FOE   PEIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

In  our  sickness  or  our  health, 
In  our  want  or  in  our  wealth, 
If  we  look  to  God  in  prayer, 
God  is  present  everywhere. 

When  our  earthly  comforts  fail, 
When  the  foes  of  life  prevail, 
?Tis  the  time  for  earnest  prayer  ; 
God  is  present  everywhere. 

Then  my  soul,  in  every  strait 
To  thy  Father  come  and  wait ; 
He  will  answer  every  prayer  ; 
God  is  p  resent  everywhere. 


105.  L.  M. 

Love  to  Christ. 

When  Jesus  Christ  was  here  below, 

And  spread  his  works  of  love  abroad, 
If  I  had  lived  so  long  ago, 

Oh,  should  not  I  have  loved  the  Lord  ? 
224 


HYMNS    FOE    PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

Jesus,  who  was  so  very  kind, 

Who  came  to  pardon  sinful  men, 
Who  healed  the  sick,  and  cured  the  blind — 

Oh,  should  we  not  have  loved  him  then  ? 

But  where  is  Jesus  ?   Is  he  dead  ? 

Oh,  no  ;  he  lives  in  heaven  above  ; 
And  "  Blest  are  they,"  the  Saviour  said, 
"  Who,  though  they  have  not  seen  me,  love  1" 


106.  C.  M. 

Thy  Works  Praise  Thee. 

All  nature  shows,  in  various  ways, 

Her  great  Creator's  praise  ; 
The  young  birds  sing,  while  on  the  wing, 

In  soft  and  pleasant  lays. 

The  trees  look  gay,  and  seem  to  say, 

There  is  a  God  above  ; 
The  sun's  bright  beams,  the  liquid  streams, 

Say  we  are  ruled  by  love. 

10*  225 


HYMNS    FOR    PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

The  bleating  flocks,  with  happy  looks, 

Say  God  deigns  us  to  feed  ; 
Without  his  power,  there's  not  an  hour 

But  we  should  comforts  need. 


And  if  the  herds,  and  trees,  and  birds, 
All  join  to  praise  God's  name, 

It  must  not  be  that  such  as  we 
Neglect  to  do  the  same 


107.  L.  M. 

Religion. 

Religion  is  the  chief  concern 
Of  mortals  here  below  ; 

May  I  its  great  importance  learn, 
Its  sov'reijrn  virtue  know. 


226 


HYMNS    FOR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

108.  7. 

The  Same. 

'Tis  religion  that  can  give 
Sweetest  pleasures  while  we  live  ; 
>Tis  religion  must  supply 
Solid  comforts  when  we  die. 

After  death  its  joys  will  be 
Lasting  as  eternity  : 
Let  me,  then,  make  God  my  friend, 
And  on  all  his  ways  attend. 


109.  L.  M. 

A  Prayer  to  be  said  on  Entering  the  Church. 

In  God's  own  house  for  me  to  play, 
While  Christians  meet  to  sing  and  pray, 
Is  to  profane  his  holy  place, 
And  tempt  the  Almighty  to  his  face. 

227 


HYMNS   POR   PRIVATE   DEVOTIONS. 

When  angels  bow  before  the  Lord, 
And  Satan  trembles  at  his  word, 
Shall  I,  a  feeble  mortal  dare 
To  mock,  and  sport,  and  trifle  there  ? 

Great  God,  compassionate  and  mild, 
Forgive  the  follies  of  a  child  ; 
Teach  me  to  pray,  and  mind  thy  word, 
That  I  may  learn  to  serve  the  Lord. 


110.  C.  M. 

Private  Devotion. 

I  love  to  steal  awhile  away, 
From  every  cumbering  care, 

And  spend  the  hours  of  setting  day 
In  humble,  grateful  prayer. 

I  love  in  solitude  to  shed 

The  penitential  tear, 
And  all  his  promises  to  plead, 
Where  none  but  God  is  near. 
228 


HYMNS   FOR    PRIVATE    DEVOTIONS. 

I  love  to  think  on  mercies  past, 

And  future  good  implore, 
And  all  my  care  and  sorrows  cast 

On  him  whom  I  adore. 

I  love  by  faith  to  take  a  view 
Of  brighter  scenes  in  heaven  ; 

The  prospect  doth  my  strength  renew 
While  here  by  tempests  driven. 

Thus,  when  life's  toilsome  day  is  o'er, 

May  its  departing  ray 
Be  calm  as  this  impressive  hour, 

That  leads  to  endless  dav. 


229 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


Htmn 

Again  we're  seen  the  Sabbath 66 

All  nature  shows  in  various  ways 106 

And  still,  0  God,  thy  child  is  blest 103 

Angels  ever  bright  and  fair 91 

As  the  sweet  flower  that  scents 48 

Awake,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun 94 

Behold  another  year  begins 48 

Be  kind  to  each  other 64 

Be  kind  to  thy  father 65 

By  cool  Siloam's  shady  rill 15 

Christ  the  Lord  is  risen 37 

Come,  let  us  anew 45 

Ere  on  my  bed  my  limbs  I  lay 96 

Farewell  our  blighted  treasure 79 

Father,  I  love  to  read  of  thee 6 

Father,  let  a  little  child 83 

From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies 58 

From  year  to  year,  in  love 36 

God  from  on  high  looks  down 6 

231 


TABLE   OF   FIRST   LINES. 

Hymn 

God  is  so  good  that  he  will  hear , 81 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high 60 

Glory  to  thee  my  God  this  night 98 

Great  God,  we  sing  that  mighty  hand 44 

Heaven  is  a  place  of  rest 40 

How  beauteous  are  their  feet 31 

How  blest  the  sacred  tie 09 

How  long  sometimes  a  day  appears .  .  100 

How  pleasant  'tis  to  dwell  below 57 

How  precious  is  the  book  divine 9 

How  shall  the  young  secure 10 

How  sweet  is  the  Sabbath 101 

Humble  praises,  holy  Jesus 35 

I  ask  not  wealth 87 

I  lay  my  body  to  sleep 99 

I  love  thy  church,  O  God 4 

I  love  to  steal  awhile  away 110 

In  God's  own  house,  for  me  to  play 109 

In  life's  joyous  morning 17 

In  the  cross  of  Christ  I  glory , . . . .  80 

In  the  soft  season 18 

In  this  glad  hour 68 

Israel's  shepherd,  guide  me 54 

I  thank  the  goodness 7 

Jesus  shall  reign  where'er  the  sun 32 

Just  like  an  early  rose 50 

Let  us  love  one  another 60 

Little  drops  of  water 90 

Long  let  the  breathing  music 51 

Lord,  assist  us  by  thy  grace 02 


i 


TABLE    OF    FIRST   LINES. 

Htm* 

Lord,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing 55 

Lord,  how  delightful  'tis  to  see 3 

Lord,  I  would  own  thy  tender  care 80 

Lord  of  my  life 92 

Lord,  teach  a  little  child 84 

ily  Heavenly  Father,  all  I  see 23 

Xo  burning  heats  by  day , 26 

Xow  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep 95 

Xow  rises  from  around  us.  . .  • 72 

Xow  that  my  journey's  just  begun 8 

0  come,  come  away 102 

O'er  the  dark  wave  of  blue  Galilee 29 

0  Father,  bless  a  little  child 8^ 

0  God  that  modest  earth 76 

0  God,  whose  lowly  child 41 

0  Lord,  another  day  has  flown 71 

0  Lord,  my  best  desires  fulfill 75 

Our  Father,  God,  who  art  in  heaven 12 

Oh  where  shall  rest  be  found 49 

Peace  be  to  this  habitation ; 70 

Praise  the  Lord,  ye  heaven3 13 

Praise  to  thee,  thou  great  Creator 59 

Religion  is  the  chief  concern 107 

Remember  thy  Creator 14 

Saviour,  who  thy  flock  art  feeding   38 

See  Israel's  gentle  shepherd 39 

See  the  shining  dew  drops 22 

Sleep,  little  baby,  sleep 77 

Speak  gently,  it  is  better  far G3 

283 


TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES. 

Hymn 

Sweet  are  the  joys  of  home 73 

Sure  to  the  mansions  of  the  blest 47 

The  bee  hath  its  domestic  cell 67 

The  lilies  of  the  field 25 

The  love  of  God— what  is  it 24 

The  praises  of  my  tongue 11 

There  is  a  glorious  world  of  light 33 

There  is  a  happy  land 20 

There  is  a  region  lovelier  far 19 

There  is  beyond  the  sky 89 

There  is  no  spot,  or  high,  or  low 74 

There's  not  a  tint  that  paints  the  rose 21 

The  sun  hath  gone  to  rest 97 

The  voice  is  hushed 62 

They  who  seek  the  throne. 104 

They  in  the  valley's  sheltering  care 80 

Thou  who  a  tender  parent  art 61 

Thy  name,  Almighty  Lord 53 

Time  is  winging  us  away 43 

'Tis  religion  that  can  give 108 

To  thee  in  youth's  bright  morning 16 

We  come  in  childhood's  innocence 1 

We  come  with  joyful  song 42 

Welcome  quiet  morning r 93 

Well  rest  thee,  bright  one 78 

What  if  a  little  drop  should  say 34 

When  daily  I  kneel  down 82 

Whene'er  the  angry  passions  rise 27 

When  Jesus  Christ  was  here  below 105 

When  marshalled  on  the  mighty  plain 28 

Where  two  or  three  with  sweet  accord 2 

With  humble  heart  and  tongue 85 

234 


THE   ORDER 


EVENING    PRAYER; 


COMPILED  FOR  THE  USE  OF  THE 


FIRST  UNITARIAN  CHURCH, 


OF    WASHINGTON 





y 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C: 

TRIXTED   BY   CORNELIUS   WENDELL. 

1858. 


DEDICATED 

TO  THE 

CHURCH, 

BY    ITS 

AFFECTIONATE    PASTOR, 

W.  D.  HALEY. 


THE  ORDER  FOR  EVENING  PRAYER. 


r  At  the  beginning  of  Evening  Prayer,  the  Minister  shall 
read  one  or  more  of  the  following  sentences  of  Scripture  : 

When  the  wicked  man  turneth  away  from 
his  wickedness  which  he  hath  committed,  and 
doeth  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall 
save  his  soul  alive.     Ezek.  xviii:  27. 

I  acknowledge  my  transgressions;  and  my 
sin  is  ever  before  me.     Psalm,  li:  3. 

Hide  thy  face  from  my  sins;  and  blot  out 
all  mine  iniquities.     Psalm,  li:  9. 

The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit;  a 
broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  0  God,  thou  wilt 
not  despise.     Psalm,  li:  17. 

Rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  garments, 
and  turn  unto  the  Lord  your  God;  for  he  is 
gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to  anger,  and  of 
great  kindness,  and  repenteth  him  of  the  evil. 
Joel,  ii:  13. 


4  THE    ORDER   FOR 

To  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies  and 
forgiveness,  though  we  have  rebelled  against 
him;  neither  have  we  obeyed  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  our  God,  to  walk  in  his  laws  which  he 
set  before  us.      Daniel,  ix:  9,  10. 

0  Lord,  correct  me,  but  with  judgment;  not 
in  thine  anger,  lest  thou  bring  me  to  nothing. 
Jer.  x:  24. 

Repent  ye;  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at 
hand.      St.  Matt,  iii:  2. 

1  will  arise,  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will 
say  unto  him,  Father,  I  have  sinned  against 
heaven,  and  before  thee,  and  am  no  more 
worthy  to  be  called  thy  son.  St.  Luke,  xv: 
18,  19. 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servant, 
0  Lord;  for  in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living 
be  justified.     Psalm,  cxliii:  2. 

If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive 
ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us;  but  if 
we  confess  our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and  just 
to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from 
all  unrighteousness.      1  John,  i:  8,  9. 

The  hour  cometh,  and  now  is,  when  the 
true  worshippers  shall  worship  the  Father  in 
spirit  and   in  truth ;   for   the   Father  seeketh 


EVENING   PRAYER.  5 

such  to  worship  him.  God  is  a  spirit,  and 
they  who  worship  him  must  worship  him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth.     St.  John,  iv:  23,  24. 

*"  Then  shall  the  Minister  say : 

Dearly  beloved  brethren,  the  Scripture 
moveth  us  in  sundry  places  to  acknowledge 
and  confess  our  manifold  sins  and  wickedness; 
and  that  we  should  not  dissemble  nor  cloak 
them  before  the  face  of  Almighty  God  our 
heavenly  Father;  but  confess  them  with  an 
humble,  lowly,  penitent,  and  obedient  heart; 
to  the  end  that  we  may  obtain  forgiveness  of 
the  same,  by  his  infinite  goodness  and  mercy. 
And  although  we  ought  at  all  times  humbly 
to  acknowledge  our  sins  before  God,  yet  ought 
we  chiefly  so  to  do,  when  we  assemble  and 
meet  together,  to  render  thanks  for  the  great 
benefits  that  we  have  received  at  his  hands, 
to  set  forth  his  most  worthy  praise,  to  hear 
his  most  holy  word,  and  to  ask  those  things 
which  are  requisite  and  necessary,  as  well-  for 
the  body  as  the  soul.  Wherefore  I  pray  and 
beseech  you,  as  many  as  are  here  present,  to 
accompany  me,  with  a  pure  heart  and  humble 
voice,  unto  the  throne  of  the  heavenly  grace. 
saying — 


b  THE  ORDER  FOR 

A  GENERAL  CONFESSION. 

<f|  To  be  said  by  the  whole  Congregation,  after  the  Min- 
ister, all  kneeling,  or  otherwise  assuming  a  reverent  posture. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  We 
have  erred  and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like 
lost  sheep.  We  have  followed  too  much  the 
devices  and  desires  of  our  own  hearts.  We 
have  offended  against  thy  holy  laws.  We 
have  left  undone  those  things  which  we  ought 
to  have  done;  And  we  have  done  those  things 
which  Ave  ought  not  to  have  done;  And  there 
is  no  health  in  us.  But  thou,  0  Lord,  have 
mercy  upon  us,  miserable  offenders.  Spare 
thou  those,  0  God,  who  confess  their  faults. 
Restore  thou  those  who  are  penitent,  Ac- 
cording to  thy  promises  declared  unto  man- 
kind in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  And  grant, 
0  most  merciful  Father,  for  his  sake,  That  we 
may  hereafter  live  a  godly,  righteous,  and 
sober  life;  To  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 

\\  The  People  shall  answer  here,  and  at  the  end  of  every 
Prayer,  Amen. 

*]"  Then  shall  the  Minister  say  this  Prayer : 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus   Christ,  who  desireth  not  the  death  of 


EYEXIXG   PRAYER.  7 

a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  should  turn  from 
his  wickedness  and  live;  pardon  and  absolve 
all  those  who  truly  repent,  and  unfeignedly 
believe  the  Holy  Gospel.  We  beseech  thee 
to  grant  us  true  repentance,  and  thy  holy 
spirit ;  that  those  things  may  please  thee 
which  we  do  at  this  present,  and  that  the 
rest  of  our  life  hereafter  may  be  pure  and 
holy ;  so  that  at  the  last  we  may  come  to 
thine  eternal  joy,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Or  this  : 

0  most  mighty  God  and  merciful  Father, 
who  hast  compassion  upon  all  men,  and  hatest 
nothing  that  thou  hast  made  ;  who  desirest 
not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  that  he  should 
rather  turn  from  his  sin  and  be  saved;  mer- 
cifully forgive  us  our  trespasses;  receive  and 
comfort  us,  who  are  grieved  with  the  burden 
of  our  sins.  Thy  property  is  always  to  have 
mercy;  to  thee  only  it  appertaineth  to  forgive 
iniquity.  Spare  us,  therefore,  good  Lord ; 
enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servants, 
who  have  sinned  against  thee;  but  so  turn 
thine   anger  from  us,   who   acknowledge   our 


8  THE    ORDER   FOR 

unworthiness,  and  repent  us  of  our  faults,  and 
so  make  haste  to  help  us  in  this  world,  that 
we  may  ever  live  with  thee  in  the  world  to 
come,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

^j  Then  the  Minister  shall  say  the  Lord's  Pra)7er,  the 
People  repeating  it  with  him. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will 
be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us 
this  day  our  daily  bread,  And  forgive  us  our 
trespasses  as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us;  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation, 
but  deliver  us  from  evil  ;  For  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for 
ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

^\  Here,  likewise,  he  shall  say  : 

0  Lord,  open  thou  our  lips; 
Ans.  And  our  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy 
praise. 

j[  Here,  all  standing  up,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Min.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal, 
invisible,  the  only  wise  God  ; 


EVENING   PRAYER.  9 

Ans.   Be    honor   and   glory,   through    Jesus 
Christ,  forever  and  ever.     Amen. 
Mm.  Praise  ye  the  Lord  ; 
Ans.  The  Lord's  name  be  praised. 

f|  Then  shall  be  sung  (or  else  said  by  the  Minister  and 
People  alternately)  the  following  Psalrn  : 

Cantate  Domino. — Psalm,  xcviii. 

0  sixg  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song;  for  he 
hath  done  marvellous  things. 

With  his  own  right  hand,  and  with  his  holy 
arm,  hath  he  gotten  himself  the  victory. 

The  Lord  declared  his  salvation;  his  right- 
eousness hath  he  openly  shown  in  the  sight 
of  the  heathen. 

He  hath  remembered  his  mercy  and  truth 
toward  the  house  of  Israel;  and  all  the  ends 
of  the  world  have  seen  the  salvation  of  our 
God. 

Show  yourselves  joyful  unto  the  Lord  all  ye 
lands;  sing,  rejoice,  and  give  thanks. 

Praise  the  Lord  upon  the  harp;  sing  to  the 
harp  with  a  psalm  of  thanksgiving; 

With  trumpets,  also  with  shawms,  0  show 
yourselves  joyful  before  the  Lord  the  King. 
1* 


12  THE    ORDER    FOR 

God  shall  bless  us,  and  all  the  ends  of  the 
world  shall  fear  him. 

^|  Or  else  this : 
Magnificat. — St.  Luke,  i:  46. 

My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,  and  my 
spirit  hath  rejoiced  in  God  my  Savior. 

For  he  hath  regarded  the  lowliness  of  his 
handmaiden. 

For  behold,  from  henceforth,  all  generations 
shall  call  me  blessed. 

For  he  who  is  mighty  hath  magnified  me; 
and  holy  is  his  name. 

And  his  mercy  is  on  them  that  fear  him, 
throughout  all  generations. 

He  hath  shown  strength  with  his  arm;  he 
hath  scattered  the  proud  in  the  imagination 
of  their  hearts. 

He  hath  put  down  the  mighty  from  their 
seat;  and  hath  exalted  the  humble  and  meek. 

He  hath  filled  the  hungry  with  good  things ; 
and  the  rich  he  hath  sent  empty  away. 

He  remembering  his  mercy,  hath  holpen 
his  servant  Israel,  as  he  promised  to  our  fore- 
fathers, Abraham  and  his  seed  forever. 


EYEXIXG   PRAYER.  13 

r  Then,  all  assuming  a  reverent  posture,  shall  be  said 
these  prayers  following,  the  Minister  first  saying, 

Min.  The  Lord  be  with  you; 
Ans.   And  with  thy  Spirit. 

Min.  Let  us  pray. 

0  Lord,  show  thy  mercy  upon  us; 
Ans.   xVnd  grant  us  thy  salvation. 
Min.    0   God,  make  clean  our  hearts  within 
us : 

Ans.   And  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us. 

THE    COLLECT    FOR    PEACE. 

0  God,  from  whom  all  holy  desires,  all 
good  counsels,  and  all  just  works  do  proceed; 
give  unto  thy  servants  that  peace  which  the 
world  cannot  give;  that  both  our  hearts  may 
be  set  to  obey  thy  commandments,  and  also 
that,  being  defended  by  thee  from  the^fear  of 
our  enemies,  we  may  pass  our  time  in  rest  and 
quietness,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 
Amen. 

THE    COLLECT   FOR    AID    AGAIXST    ALL    PERILS. 

0  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  by  whose 
Almighty  power  we  have  been  preserved  this 
day,  by  thy  great  mercy  defend  us  from  all 


14  THE   ORDER   FOR 

perils  and  dangers  of  the  night,  for  the  love* 
of  thy  only  Son,    our    Savior    Jesus    Christ. 
Amen. 

A    PRAYER    FOR   RULERS. 

0  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  the  high  and 
mighty  Ruler  of  the  universe,  who  dost  from 
thy  throne  behold  all  the  dwellers  upon  earth; 
most  heartily  we  beseech  thee,  with  thy  favor, 
to  behold  and  bless  thy  servant  the  president 
of  the  united  states,  and  all  others  in  au- 
thority; and  so  replenish  them  with  the  grace 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  always  in- 
cline to  thy  will,  and  walk  in  thy  way.  Endue 
them  plenteously  with  heavenly  gifts  ;  and 
finally,  after  this  life,  grant  that  they  may 
attain  everlasting  joy  and  felicity,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

A   PRAYER   FOR    CONGRESS. 
^  To  be  used  during  their  session. 

Most  gracious  God,  we  humbly  beseech 
tliee,  as  for  the  people  of  these  United  States 
in  general,  so  especially  for  their  Senate  and 
Representatives  in  Congress  assembled:  That 
thou  wouldest  be  pleased  to  direct  and  pros- 


EYEXIXG    PRAYER.  15 

.per  all  their  consultations,  to  the  advancement 
of  thy  glory,  the  good  of  thy  Church,  the 
safety,  honor,  and  welfare  of  thy  people;  that 
all  things  may  be  so  ordered  and  settled  by 
their  endeavors,  upon  the  best  and  surest 
foundations,  that  peace  and  happiness,  truth 
and  justice,  religion  and  piety,  may  be  es- 
tablished among  us  for  all  generations.  The>e 
and  all  other  necessaries,  for  them,  for  us, 
and  thy  whole  Church,  we  humbly  beg  as  the 
disciples  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

*|The  remaining  prayers  are  to  be  omitted  when  the 
Litany  is  read. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  THE  CLERGY  AXD  PEOPLE. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  from  whom 
coineth  every  good  and  perfect  gift;  send 
down  upon  all  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and 
upon  all  congregations  committed  to  their 
charge,  the  needful  spirit  of  thy  grace;  and 
that  they  may  truly  please  thee,  pour  upon 
them  the  continual  dew  of  thy  blessing. 
Grant  this,  0  Heavenly  Father,  for  thine 
infinite  mercy's  sake  in  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


16  THE  ORDER  FOR 

A  PRAYER  FOR  ALL  CONDITIONS  OF  MEN. 

0  God,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all 
mankind,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  for  all  sorts 
and  conditions  of  men,  that  thou  wouldest  be 
pleased  to  make  thy  ways  known  unto  them, 
thy  saving  health  unto  all  nations.  More  es- 
pecially we  pray  for  the  good  estate  of  thy 
holy  Church  universal;  that  it  may  be  so  guided 
and  governed  by  thy  good  Spirit,  that  all  who 
profess  and  call  themselves  Christians,  may  be 
led  into  the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith 
in  unity  of  Spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and 
in  righteousness  of  life.  Finally,  we  com- 
mend to  thy  fatherly  goodness,  all  those  who 
are  any  ways  afflicted  or  distressed  in  mind, 
body,  or  estate;  that  it  may  please  thee  to 
comfort  and  relieve  them  according  to  their 
several  necessities  ;  giving  them  patience 
under  their  sufferings,  and  a  happy  issue  out 
of  all  their  afflictions;  and  this  we  humbly 
ask  as  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 

A   GENERAL   THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we 
thine  unworthy  servants  do  give  thee  most 
humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  goodness 


EVENING    PRAYER.  IT 

and  loving  kindness  to  us  and  to  all  men. 
We  bless  thee  for  our  creation,  preservation, 
and  all  the  blessings  of  this  life  ;  but  above 
all,  for  thine  inestimable  love  in  the  redemp- 
tion of  the  world  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
for  the  means  of  grace,  and  for  the  hope  of 
glory.  And  we  beseech  thee,  to  give  us  that 
due  sense  of  all  thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts 
may  be  unfeignedly  thankful,  and  that  we 
may  show  forth  thy  praise,  not  only  with  our 
lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by  giving  up  ourselves 
to  thy  service,  and  by  walking  before  thee  in 
holiness  and  righteousness  all  our  days, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  ;  in  whose 
name  we  ascribe  unto  thee  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

A    PRAYER    OF    ST.     CHRYS0ST0M. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at 
this  time  with  one  accord  to  make  our  common 
supplications  unto  thee,  and  hast  promised  by 
thy  beloved  Son,  that  where  two  or  three  are 
gathered  together  in  his  name,  thou  wilt 
grant  their  requests  :  fulfil  now,  0  Lord,  the 
desires  and  petitions  of  thy  servants,  as  may 


18  THE    ORDER   FOR 

be  most  expedient  for  them,  granting  us  in 
this  world  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  in  the 
world  to  come  life  everlasting.     Amen. 

^[  Then  a  hymn  shall  follow,  if  a  sermon  is  preached  ; 
after  the  sermon,  shall  be  sung  a  doxology,  to  he  followed 
by  the  Benediction.  If  there  is  no  sermon  preached,  the 
hymn  shall  be  omitted  and  the  Benediction  shall  be  here 
pronounced. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.  Amen.  2  Cor. 
xiii:  14. 


Til  E    LITANY 


FORM   OF   GENERAL  SUPPLICATION 


ff  To  be  used  at  the  discretion  of  the  .Minister,  on  evenings 
of  Bpecial  Bervice. 


0  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  have  mercy 
upon  us  miserable  sinners: 

0  God,  our  heavenly  Father^  have  mercy 
upon  us  in  is<  rablt  sinners. 

0  God,  who  by  thy  Son  hast  redeemed  the 
world,  have  mercy  upon  us  miserable  sinners; 

0  God,  who  by  thy  Son  hast  redeemed  th 
world,  have  mercy  upon  us  miserable  sinners, 

0  God,  who  by  thy  holy  Spiril  dost  govern, 
direct,  and  sanctify  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful 
Bervants,  have  mercy  upon  us  miserable  sin- 
ners; 

0  God,  who  by  thy  holy  Spirit  dost  govi  rny 
direct^  and  sanctify  the  hearts  of  thy  faithful 
servants^  I/ore  mercy  upon  us  miserable  sinners. 

Remember  not,  Lord,  our  offences,  neither 
take  thou  vengeance  of  our  sins;  spare  US, 
good  Lord,  spare  thy  people  whom  thou  has! 


20  THE   ORDER   FOR 

redeemed  by  the  most  precious  blood  of  thy 
Son,  and  be  not  angry  with  us  forever; 

Spare  us,  good  Lord. 

From  all  evil  and  mischief;  from  sin;  and 
from  the  assaults  of  temptation; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  all  blindness  of  heart  ;  from  pride, 
vain  glory  and  hypocrisy;  from  envy,  hatred, 
and  malice  and  all  un charitableness; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  all  inordinate  and  sinful  affections; 
and  from  all  the  deceits  of  the  world,  and  the 
promptings  of  carnal  passions; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  lightning,  and  tempest;  from  plague, 
pestilence,  and  famine ;  from  battle,  and 
murder,  and  from  death  unprepared  for; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  all  sedition,  privy  conspiracy,  and 
rebellion;  from  all  false  doctrine,  heresy,  and 
schism;  from  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt 
of  thy  word  and  commandment; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

By  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ;  by  his 
holy  life  and  teachings;  by  his  baptism,  fast- 
ing and  temptation; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 


EVENING   PRAYER.  21 

By  his  agony  and  bloody  sweat;  by  his 
cross  and  passion;  by  his  precious  death  and 
burial:  by  his  glorious  resurrection  and  as- 
cension, and  by  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

In  all  time  of  our  tribulation;  in  all  time  of 
our  prosperity,  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in 
the  day  of  judgment; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

We  sinners  do  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  0 
Lord  God,  and  that  it  may  please  thee  to  rule 
and  govern  thy  holy  Church  universal  in  the 
right  way; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  bless  and  pre- 
serve all  our  Rulers  and  Magistrates,  giving 
them  grace  to  execute  justice. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  as,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  illuminate  all 
ministers  of  the  gospel  with  true  knowledge, 
and  understanding  of  thy  word;  and  that  both 
by  their  preaching  and  living  they  may  set  it 
forth,  and  show  it  accordingly; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  as,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  bless  and  keep 
all  thy  people; 

We  beseech  thee  to  J  tear  us,  good  Lord. 
2* 


22  THE    ORDER   FOR 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  to  all  na- 
tions, unity,  peace,  and  concord; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  us  an  heart 
to  love  and  fear  thee,  and  diligently  to  live 
after  thy  commandments; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  to  all  thy 
people  increase  of  grace,  to  hear  meekly  thy 
word,  and  to  receive  it  with  pure  affection, 
and  to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  thy  Spirit; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  bring  into  the 
way  of  truth  all  such  as  have  erred,  and  are 
deceived; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  strengthen  such 
as  do  stand;  to  comfort  and  help  the  weak 
hearted;  to  raise  up  those  who  fall;  and,  finally, 
to  give  us  victory  over  all  temptations; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  succor,  help,  and 
comfort  all  who  are  in  danger,  necessity,  and 
tribulation; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  preserve  all 
who  travel  by  land  or  by  water,  all  sick  per- 


EVENING    PRAYER.  23 

sods  and  young  children;  to  show  thy  pity 
upon  all  prisoners  and  captives; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  defend,  and  pro- 
vide for,  the  fatherless  children,  and  widows, 
and  all  who  are  desolate  and  oppressed; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  have  mercy  upon 
all  men; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  forgive  our 
enemies,  persecutors,  and  slanderers,  and  to 
turn  their  hearts; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  and  pre- 
serve to  our  use  the  kindly  fruits  of  the  earth, 
so  that  in  due  time  we  may  enjoy  them; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  21s,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  us  true  re- 
pentance, to  forgive  us  all  our  sins,  negli- 
gences, and  ignorances,  and  to  endue  us  with 
the  grace  of  thy  holy  Spirit,  to  amend  our 
lives  according  to  thy  holy  word; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

0  Lord,  grant  us  thy  peace; 

Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

0  Lord,  deal  not  with  us  after  our  sins: 

Neither  reward  us  after  our  iniquities. 


24  THE    ORDER   FOR 

^l  Let  us  pray. 

We  humbly  beseech  thee,  0  Father,  merci- 
fully to  look  upon  our  infirmities;  and  for  the 
glory  of  thy  name,  turn  from  us  all  those  evils 
which  we  most  justly  have  deserved;  and 
grant  that  in  all  our  troubles  we  may  put  our 
whole  trust  and  confidence  in  thy  mercy,  and 
evermore  serve  thee  in  holiness  and  pureness 
of  living,  to  thy  honor  and  glory,  through  our 
only  Mediator  and  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

A   GENERAL   THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we 
thine  unworthy  servants  do  give  thee  most 
humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  goodness 
and  loving  kindness  to  us  and  to  all  men. 
We  bless  thee  for  our  creation,  preservation, 
and  all  the  blessings  of  this  life  ;  but,  above 
all,  for  thine  inestimable  love  in  the  redemp- 
tion of  the  world  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
for  the  means  of  grace,  and  for  the  hope  of 
glory,  xlnd  we  beseech  thee,  give  us  that 
due  sense  of  all  thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts 
may  be  unfeignedly  thankful,  and  that  we 
may  show  forth  thy  praise,  not  only  with  our 


EVENING   PRAYER.  25 

lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by  giving  up  ourselves 
to  thy  service,  and  by  walking  before  thee  in 
holiness  and  righteousness  all  our  days. 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  in  whose 
name  we  ascribe  unto  thee  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

CONCLUDING   PRAYER. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at 
this  time  with  one  accord  to  make  our  com- 
mon supplications  unto  thee,  and  hast  promised 
by  thy  beloved  Son,  that  where  two  or  three 
are  gathered  together  in  his  name,  thou  wilt 
grant  their  requests:  fulfil  now.  0  Lord,  the 
desires  and  petitions  of  thy  servants,  as  may 
be  most  expedient  for  them,  granting  us  in 
this  world  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  in  the 
world  to  come  life  everlasting.     Amen. 

The  Grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  be  with  you  all.  Amen.  2  Cor. 
xiii:   14. 


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